JP2023173124A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of effectively utilizing a configuration of a game area.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 1 includes a gate 13 and a second start pocket 12a, a normal operation member 12b, and a first route R1 through which game balls passing through the gate 13 flow down in a game area 3 in which game balls can flow down. A game control microcomputer 61 can switch a posture of the normal operation member 12b on the basis of each of multiple kinds of operation patterns, and a long-time operation pattern FS3 capable of guiding to the second start pocket 12a by receiving game balls passing through the gate 13 and a middle-time operation pattern FS2 capable of receiving game balls passing through the gate 13 and releasing them to a side deviating sideways from the first route R1 and to a side in which the second start pocket 12a is not positioned are set as the operation patterns.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

As a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine that plays a game using game balls is known. This pachinko game machine has a game area formed on the front side of a game board placed inside the machine, and is configured so that the game area can be viewed from the front of the machine. The gaming area is dotted with multiple types of ball entry holes. For this reason, a game ball launched into the game area by a player's handle operation, etc., during the process of flowing down the game area, may enter one of the multiple ball entrances, or may not enter the game area and enter the game area. It flows down to the bottom end of the tank and is discharged from the outlet. When the game ball enters the ball entrance, a prize ball corresponding to the type of the ball entrance is awarded to the player. That is, when playing a game with a pachinko game machine, a profit can be earned depending on the game ball entering the ball entrance (for example, Patent Document 1).

A typical pachinko game machine is equipped with a variable ball entrance that changes between a state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a state in which it cannot enter. . Examples of this variable ball entry hole include a variable starting hole and a special winning hole. The variable starting port activates a normal operating member when a game ball enters (passes through) a separately provided ball entry port (for example, a gate, hereinafter referred to as the "operating port"). In addition, the special prize opening is a state in which a game ball can enter the game ball by activating a special operating member triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting hole (a variable starting hole is also a type of starting hole). The ball is allowed to enter.

JP2014-236936A

In recent years, in order to adjust the frequency of game balls entering the special winning hole, it has been considered to utilize the operation of the normal operating member. In this case, for example, it is configured so that the game ball that passes through the operating port goes toward the special winning port, and the normal operating member is configured to operate between the operating port and the special winning port. By doing this, when allowing the ball to enter the variable starting port triggered by the passing of the game ball to the operating port, the timing to prevent the game ball that has passed through the operating port from heading to the special winning port. If the normal operating member is operated in this manner, the frequency of balls entering the special winning hole can be reduced. That is, in a situation where the special operation member operates and the ball entering the special winning hole is permitted, it is possible to provide a state where the frequency of ball entering the special winning hole becomes high and a state where the frequency of ball entering the special winning hole becomes low. However, in this case, there is a problem in that the more the normal operation member prevents the ball from entering the special winning hole, the more frequently the ball enters the variable starting hole, and the balance of the game is disrupted.
That is, in the pachinko game machine, it cannot be said that the structure provided in the game area is fully utilized effectively, and there is room for improvement.

The present invention was made to solve the problems in the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that makes effective use of the configuration of the gaming area.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes an operating opening and a variable starting opening in a gaming area through which a gaming ball can flow down, a first position that prevents a gaming ball from entering the variable starting opening, and and a normal operating member that can be displaced to a second permissible attitude, and when a game ball passes through the operating port, a driving means corresponding to the normal operating member is controlled to move the normal operating member to the first attitude. The game machine is provided with a control means for displacing the game ball from the operating hole to the second posture, the game area being provided with a predetermined path through which the game ball that has passed through the operating port flows down toward a predetermined area, and the control means: The posture of the normal operating member is configured to be switchable based on each of a plurality of types of operating patterns, and the operating pattern of the normal operating member is to receive a game ball that has passed through the operating port and guide it to the variable starting port. A possible first operation pattern and a second operation pattern that can receive a game ball that has passed through the operation port and release it to a side that deviates from the predetermined path and where the variable starting port is not located are set. It is characterized by the presence of

According to this, the predetermined path along which the game ball that has passed through the operating port flows can be blocked by the operation of the normal operating member. Here, as the operating pattern of the normal operating member that blocks the predetermined path, in addition to the operating pattern that can guide the game ball that has passed through the operating port to the variable starting port, there is also an operating pattern that does not guide the game ball that has passed through the operating port to the variable starting port. By providing the operating pattern, the traveling direction of the game ball that has passed through the operating port can be switched to multiple directions with a simple configuration.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention having the above configuration, the configuration of the gaming area can be effectively utilized.

It is a front view of a pachinko game machine in a first embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the main part of the game area in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices in blocks. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices in blocks. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a validity determination table. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol in the first embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol in the first embodiment. be. It is an explanatory diagram of a small hit type determination table in a 1st embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the reach determination table for the first special symbol, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the reach determination table for the second special symbol. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the special figure variation pattern selection table for the first special figure, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the special figure variation pattern selection table for the second special figure. It is an explanatory diagram of a normal symbol propriety determination table. It is an explanatory diagram of a type determination table per ordinary figure in a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart of main side main control processing. 3 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of sensor detection processing for symbols. It is a flowchart of normal operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special figure jackpot determination processing. It is a flowchart of special figure fluctuation pattern selection processing. 19 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 18. It is a flowchart of special symbol related processing. It is a flowchart of gaming state management processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessories processing (type 1 jackpot, V hit). It is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing (small win). It is a flowchart of sub-side main control processing. It is a flowchart of 1ms timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 10ms timer interruption processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating production start process. It is an explanatory diagram regarding a game state and a production mode. (a) is a time chart regarding the state change when the condition for ending the time-saving gaming state based on the number of special figure fluctuations is satisfied, and (b) is a time chart regarding the state when the ending condition for the time-saving gaming state based on the number of small wins is satisfied. This is a time chart regarding changes. (a) is a time chart regarding the relationship between the operation of the normal operating member and the behavior of the game ball during the time-saving gaming state, and (b) is a time chart regarding the specific behavior of the game ball in the gaming area in the case of (a). It is an explanatory diagram showing a flow. (a) is a time chart regarding the relationship between the operation of the normal operating member and the behavior of the game ball during the non-time-saving gaming state, and (b) is a time chart showing the specific behavior of the game ball in the gaming area in the case of (a). It is an explanatory diagram showing a flow. It is an enlarged view of the main part of the game area in the second embodiment. It is an explanatory diagram of a type determination table per normal figure in a 2nd embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol in the second embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol in the second embodiment. be. It is an explanatory diagram of a small hit type determination table in a 2nd embodiment.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a pachinko game machine that plays a game using game balls will be taken as an example of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. When explaining the direction and positional relationship of each part of a pachinko machine, we will refer to "left", "right", "top", and "bottom" as seen from the player facing the pachinko machine. Based on. Further, the side that is closer to the player (front side) is referred to as the "front", and the side that is farther away (rear side) is referred to as the "rear".

<First embodiment>
[Main configuration of pachinko machine 1]
The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a gaming machine frame, as shown in FIG. The gaming machine frame is configured to include at least an inner frame 16 that holds a gaming board 2, which will be described later, and a door-shaped front frame 18 that covers the front surface of this inner frame 16. It is installed on an installation island (not shown) inside the game store. The front frame 18 includes a left side lamp 23a, a right side lamp 23b, and a top lamp 23c, and a window 18a is formed inside surrounded by these. This window 18a is an opening that makes the game area 3 formed on the board surface (front side) of the game board 2 visible, and a transparent glass plate is provided to cover this window 18a, but it is omitted in FIG. ing. In addition, speakers 8 are provided at the left and right upper ends of the front frame 18 (on both sides of the top lamp 23c) as sound output means for outputting sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the performance. ing.

The front frame 18 has translucent properties on both sides constituting the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent parts. Each LED can emit light in a plurality of colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and further changes the color of the light emitted.
Further, the top lamp 23c constitutes a rotating light having an LED and a rotating reflector inside (not shown). The LED can emit light in multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance or the content of the notification, and further changes the color of the emitted light. The rotating reflector rotates around the LED in accordance with the drive of the movable body motor 23d (FIG. 4), and changes the direction in which light from the LED is reflected.

Furthermore, a handle 4, a batted ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper tray) 24, and a surplus ball receiving tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25 are provided at the lower part of the front frame 18. The batted ball supply tray 24 stores game balls put out from the rental ball payout device 80 (FIG. 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (FIG. 3), or stores game balls to be supplied to the firing device 90 (FIG. 3). It is for the purpose of A surplus ball tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25 is provided below the batted ball supply tray 24 in the front frame 18 . The surplus ball tray 25 stores game balls exceeding the number of balls that can be stored in the batted ball supply tray 24.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player playing a game facing the pachinko game machine 1 can grip it with his right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is disposed at a portion touched by the player's right hand holding the handle 4. The firing lever 4a is for adjusting the firing strength of the game ball by the firing device 90 (striking hammer), and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. The firing stop button 4b is for stopping the firing of game balls when the game balls are being fired, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand gripping the handle 4.

A production button 5 is provided on the upper surface of the batted ball supply tray 24 in the front frame 18. The performance button 5 can be pressed down with one hand by a player facing the pachinko game machine 1, but is provided in a position where it is impossible for the player to simultaneously operate the handle 4 with only one hand. Further, the performance button 5 is provided in a position where it is impossible for the player to operate the performance lever 6, which will be described later, simultaneously with only one hand. The production button 5 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring, and when the production button 5 is released from the pressed state, the production button 5 returns to the state before the depression operation due to the restoring force of this elastic member. The situation is now returning to normal. The performance button 5 includes a performance button detection switch 5a (FIG. 4) that detects a press operation on the performance button 5, a performance button vibration motor 5b (FIG. 4) that vibrates the performance button 5, and a performance button vibration motor 5b (FIG. 4) that causes the performance button 5 to emit light. A production button lamp 5c (FIG. 4) is built-in. The performance button vibration motor 5b vibrates at a predetermined timing, for example, during a period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 5 is valid. In this embodiment, the effect button 5 is vibrated by the operation of the effect button vibration motor 5b, and the surface of the effect button 5 made of a translucent material is lit or blinks by light emission from the effect button lamp 5c (LED in this embodiment). By doing so, for example, an effect is performed to notify that the operation of the effect button 5 is valid or to increase the expectation of a jackpot.
When the player presses the performance button 5 while the press operation of the performance button 5 is valid, the operation is detected by the performance button detection switch 5a, and this is used as a trigger to perform a specific performance. Hereinafter, a specific performance that is performed in response to the operation of the performance button 5 will be referred to as a button performance.

A production lever 6 is provided on the left side of the surplus ball tray 25 (near the lower left end) of the front frame 18. The production lever 6 can be held and operated with one hand by a player facing the pachinko game machine 1, but is placed in a position where it is impossible for the player to operate the handle 4 and production button 5 simultaneously with only one hand. It is set in. Specifically, the production lever 6 is configured so that it can be operated to push it toward the back side (pushing operation) with the hand that is gripped, and it can also be operated to rotate it left and right (rotation operation). In addition, the production lever 6 includes a production lever push detection switch 6a (FIG. 4) that detects a push operation of the production lever 6, and a production lever rotation detection switch 6b (see FIG. 4) that detects a clockwise rotation operation or a counterclockwise rotation operation of the production lever 6. 4) and a production lever vibration motor 6c (FIG. 4) that vibrates the production lever 6. In this embodiment, by vibrating the production lever 6 by operating the production lever vibration motor 6c, for example, a production that notifies that the operation of the production lever 6 is valid or increases the expectation level of a jackpot is performed. It will be done. When the player presses or rotates the production lever 6 while the operation of the production lever 6 is valid, the operation is detected by the production lever push detection switch 6a and the production lever rotation detection switch 6b, and this triggers a specific A performance will be held. Hereinafter, a specific performance that is performed in response to the operation of the performance lever 6 will be referred to as a lever performance.

[Configuration of game board 2]
The game board 2 is held by the inner frame 16 so that the board surface (front surface) is in a position substantially directly facing the player's face. This game board 2 is covered from the front by the aforementioned glass plate of the front frame 18, but the board surface can be viewed from the player side (front) through the glass plate (window 18a). In addition, in FIG. 1, although the outer peripheral side of the board surface of the game board 2 (the area outside the window 18a when viewed from the front) cannot be seen, the game area 3, which is the area where the game ball flows down (rolls), is shown on the inner periphery. An annular game area forming means (rail member 17, etc.) that forms sections on the side is arranged. In addition, on the left side of the board surface of the game board 2, the rail members 17 are arranged in two rows on the left and right, inside of which the balls launched by the launch device 90 (FIG. 3) move upward and reach the game area 3. . In this case, the launched ball is guided by the left side portion, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1, of the two rows of left and right rows of the rail member 17, and reaches the upper area of the game area 3.

Although not shown, a plurality of game nails are driven into the game area 3 of the game board 2. Therefore, the game balls flowing down the game area 3 come into contact with the game nails and their behavior changes. In the process of flowing down the game area 3, the game ball either enters ball entry ports 10a, 11a, 12a, 15a, which will be described later, or does not enter the ball and flows down the game area 3 to the lower end and enters the game area from the out port 19. 3 is discharged outside (inner frame 16 side). At least one outlet 19 is provided in the gaming area 3, and if there are multiple outlets, one of them is located at the lower end of the gaming area 3.

Here, a large center decoration body 20 is arranged on the center side of the board surface of the game board 2, and is spaced inward from the game area forming means such as the rail member 17. This center decoration body 20 is ring-shaped or frame-shaped, and is attached along the edge of a large opening (not shown) formed approximately in the center of the game board 2. Then, substantially the entire screen (front surface) of the performance display device 7 (liquid crystal panel, etc.) located behind the game board 2 is exposed to the front side of the board through the inner opening of the center decoration body 20, and the front surface of the pachinko game machine 1 is exposed. Visually, the center decoration body 20 is positioned so as to decorate the periphery of the screen of the effect display device 7. The center decoration body 20 has translucency, and a plurality of LEDs are provided inside thereof to light up and blink depending on the contents of the performance.
Note that the game board 2 is provided with light emitting means (LEDs) at a plurality of locations including the interior of the center decoration body 20 described above, and is configured to decorate the game board 2 with the light emitted from the LEDs. The decorative light emitting means provided on the game board 2 in this manner will be referred to as a "board lamp 2a" hereinafter (FIG. 4). Each LED constituting the board lamp 2a is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and further changes the emitted color.

Since the center decoration body 20 protrudes in an annular shape (frame shape) forward from the board surface of the game board 2, the game ball flowing down the game area 3 moves to the inner peripheral side of the center decoration body 20 (space in front of the screen). It is prevented from doing so. The center decoration 20 divides the game area 3 into left and right branches at its upper part. That is, the game area 3 includes a left game area (first ball flow lower area) 3L, which is the path of the game ball flowing down the left side of the center decoration 20, and a path of the game ball flowing down the right side of the center decoration 20. This area includes a certain right game area (second ball flow lower area) 3R.

The game board 2 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) penetrating in the thickness direction, and a first starting winning device 10, a general winning member 11, and a first starting winning device 10, a general winning member 11, and a first starting winning device 10, a general winning member 11, etc. A two-start winning device 12, a gate 13, and a big winning device 15 are arranged. These structures have ball entrance ports 10a, 11a, 12a, 13, and 15a into which game balls flowing down the game area 3 can enter. In the following description, a ball entry hole that is defined as a ball entry hole through which a prize ball can be given to a game ball that enters the game ball may be referred to as a "winning hole." Note that the entry of the game ball into the winning hole may be expressed as "winning". In addition, a "starting hole" (or "opportunity hole"), which is a type of ball entry hole (winning hole), is a winning hole where the entry of a game ball triggers the fluctuating display of special symbols described later. . This entry of the game ball into the starting hole can be expressed as "starting ball entering (starting prize)".

The first start-up winning device 10 is provided at the center of the lower region of the center decorative body 20 so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). This first starting winning device 10 is a winning device (winning section) having a first starting port 10a and a first starting port sensor 10b. The first starting port 10a opens upward within the gaming area 3. The first starting port sensor 10b (FIG. 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 10a (starting ball), and is a sensor (detection means) that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 10a. It is arranged in the middle of a winning ball path (not shown) that leads the ball to the rear side of the game board 2. The first starting winning device 10 is configured to always maintain the first starting opening 10a in a state in which a ball can enter, and includes members that change the ease with which a ball enters the first starting opening 10a and the opening dimensions. is not prepared.

The general winning member 11 is provided at a position on the left side of the lower region of the center decoration body 20 so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (toward the glass plate side). This general winning member 11 is a winning device (winning section) having a general winning opening 11a and a general winning opening sensor 11b. The general winning hole 11a opens upward within the gaming area 3. The general winning hole sensor 11b (FIG. 3) is a sensor (detection means) that detects the game ball that has entered the general winning hole 11a, and it moves the game ball that has entered the general winning hole 11a to the rear side of the game board 2. It is arranged in the middle of a winning ball path (not shown) to be guided. The general winning member 11 is configured to maintain the general winning hole 11a in a state where a ball can enter at all times, and does not include any member that changes the ease of ball entry into the general winning hole 11a or the opening dimensions. .

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the lower right portion of the gaming area 3 (lower half of the right gaming area 3R). In addition, the reference numeral 30 is a wall provided to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side), and the wall 30 defines the path of the game ball, and the downward direction of the game ball is directed. Limited.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gate 13 (operating port) is provided in the right region of the center decorative body 20 so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). A gate sensor 13a (FIG. 3) is arranged at this gate 13 to detect passing game balls. The gate 13 is configured to allow the game ball to pass through (enter the ball) in the vertical direction (from top to bottom), and has a passage structure that guides the game ball to the outside of the game area 3 (to the rear side of the game board 2). does not have.

The second starting winning device 12 is arranged at the lower right of the center decorative body 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This second starting winning device 12 is a winning device (winning section) having a second starting port 12a, a normal operating member 12b, a second starting port sensor 12c (FIG. 3), and a second starting port solenoid 12d (FIG. 3). It is provided so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). The second starting port 12a opens toward the upper left within the gaming area 3. The second starting port sensor 12c is a sensor (detection means) that detects the game ball that has entered the second starting port 12a (starting ball), and detects the game ball that has entered the second starting port 12a. It is placed in the middle of a winning ball path (not shown) that leads to the rear side of the ball. The normal operating member 12b is a plate-like member having a sloped upper surface, and slides back and forth between a ball entry blocking attitude (first attitude) on the rear side and a ball entry allowing attitude (second attitude) on the front side. configured to be possible. The second starting port solenoid 12d is connected to the normal operating member 12b, and maintains the normal operating member 12b in a ball entrance blocking attitude in a demagnetized state (non-operating state), and maintains the normal operating member 12b in a ball entrance blocking attitude in an excited state (operating state). 12b is maintained in a state allowing entry of balls. The normal operating member 12b in the ball entry blocking posture is located on the rear side of the board surface of the game board 2 and allows the game ball to pass through the second starting port without receiving it from above (gate 13 side). To prevent a game ball from entering 12a (starting ball). On the other hand, the normal operation member 12b in the ball entry-permitting posture is located in front of the board surface of the game board 2, receives the game ball from above (gate 13 side), and rolls the upper surface along the slope. This allows the ball to enter the second starting port 12a (starting ball). That is, the second starting opening 12a provided in the second starting winning device 12 is a winning opening (variable ball entry opening, variable starting opening) in which the ease with which a game ball enters varies depending on the posture.
Regarding this second starting port 12a, the opening size has not actually changed, but in the following explanation, for convenience, the normal operating member 12b is in a ball entry blocking posture, and a game ball cannot enter. A state is sometimes expressed as a "closed state," and a change to the closed state is sometimes expressed as "closed." In addition, the state in which the normal operating member 12b is in a ball entry-permitting posture and a game ball can enter is sometimes expressed as an "open state," and changing to the open state is sometimes expressed as "opening." .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the grand prize device 15 is provided at a position on the right side of the lower area of the center decorative body 20 so as to protrude from the board surface of the game board 2 to the front side (glass plate side). There is. This big winning device 15 is a winning device having a big winning hole 15a (special winning hole, special ball entrance), a special operating member 15b, a big winning hole sensor 15c (FIG. 3), and a big winning hole solenoid 15d (FIG. 3). (Winning section). The grand prize opening 15a opens upward within the gaming area 3. The big winning hole sensor 15c is a sensor (detection means) that detects the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 15a, and is a winning ball path that guides the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 15a to the rear side of the game board 2. (not shown). The special actuation member 15b is a plate-like member having a sloped upper surface, and slides back and forth between a ball entry blocking attitude (first attitude) on the front side and a ball entry allowing attitude (second attitude) on the rear side. configured to be possible. The big prize opening solenoid 15d is connected to the special operating member 15b, and maintains the special operating member 15b in a ball entry blocking posture in a demagnetized state (inactive state), and maintains the special operating member 15b in an excited state (in an operating state). maintain the ball in a state where the ball is allowed to enter. The special operating member 15b in the ball entry prevention posture is located in front of the board surface of the game board 2 and closes the grand prize opening 15a to prevent the game ball from entering the grand prize opening 15a, thereby preventing the game ball from entering the grand prize opening 15a. The ball is caused to flow downstream (lower left) by the sloping upper surface. On the other hand, the special actuating member 15b in the ball entry permitting posture is located on the rear side of the board surface of the game board 2, opens the grand prize opening 15a, and allows the game ball to enter the grand prize opening 15a. That is, the big winning hole 15a provided in the big winning device 15 is a winning hole (variable ball entrance hole) whose opening size changes (the ease of entering the game ball changes depending on the posture).
In the following explanation of this big winning hole 15a, the state in which the special operating member 15b is in a ball entry blocking posture and the game ball cannot enter is expressed as a "closed state", and the state in which the special operating member 15b is in a ball entry blocking posture and cannot enter the ball is referred to as the "closed state", and the state in which the special operating member 15b is in the ball entry blocking posture is expressed as a "closed state". is sometimes referred to as "closed". In addition, the state in which the special operating member 15b is in a ball entry-permitting posture and a game ball can enter is sometimes expressed as an "open state," and changing to the open state is sometimes expressed as "opening." .

Also, inside the big winning device 15, a specific area is formed through which the game ball that entered the big winning hole 15a can pass (enter), and the game ball that entered the big winning hole 15a passes through the specific area. It is designed to be discharged to the rear side of the game board 2 through the. The big winning device 15 is provided with a specific area sensor 55a (FIG. 3) that detects a game ball passing through (entering) a specific area. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which a game ball that enters the grand prize opening 15a always passes through a specific area and is detected by the specific area sensor 55a. Then, the passage of the game ball to a specific area during the small winning state described below is the trigger for the transition to the V winning state (development to the type 2 jackpot state described later).

Here, in the right gaming area 3R, there is a first area in which the game ball passing through the gate 13 and flowing downward is caused to flow down to the lower left along the upper surface of the grand prize device 15 by the wall 30 and the grand prize device 15 described above. A route R1 (predetermined route) is formed. Further, on the right side of the first route R1, a second route R2 (another route) is formed that allows the game balls to flow down to a side different from the big winning device 15. And, it is configured so that only the game balls that have passed through the gate 13 and passed through the first route R1 can reach the grand prize device 15 (the grand prize opening 15a).

By the way, the pachinko game machine 1 can adjust the firing strength of the game ball according to the operation of the handle 4 described above, so by adjusting the firing strength, the game ball can be moved between the left gaming area 3L and the right gaming area 3R. It can be divided into In this embodiment, due to the above-mentioned board configuration, the game ball launched toward the left gaming area 3L (hereinafter referred to as "left-handed hitting") is There is a possibility that the ball will enter the winning hole 11a). On the other hand, the game ball launched toward the right gaming area 3R (hereinafter referred to as "right hitting") enters the ball entry openings (gate 13, second starting opening 12a, big winning opening 15a) provided in the right gaming area 3R. There is a possibility of a ball.

[Configuration of display devices 50]
As shown in FIG. 1, a display device 50, which is a game information display means for displaying various game information, is provided at the lower right end of the game board 2 (lower right of the game area 3). As shown in FIG. 3, this display device 50 includes a first special symbol display device 51 that variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol or special symbol 1), and a second special symbol (second special symbol). It includes a second special symbol display 52 that variably displays a special symbol (also referred to as a special symbol or special symbol 2), and a normal symbol display 53 that variably displays a regular symbol (also referred to as a general symbol). Furthermore, the displays 50 include a first special symbol display 51a that displays the memory number of operation pending of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51, and a first special symbol display 51a that displays the memory number of operation pending of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51; A second special figure reservation display 52a is provided to display the stored number of operation reservations of two special symbols. In addition, in this embodiment, a storage unit for storing the operation hold of the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 53 is not provided. Activated ball information is acquired upon passage of the ball and stored for use in determining the hit of the normal symbol), so it is not equipped with a display to display the number of memory pending activations of the normal symbol. On the other hand, it may be provided with a storage section (normal symbol reservation storage section) that stores the operation reservation of the normal symbols, and a display device (general symbol reservation display) that displays the number of stored symbols.
Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern, they may be simply referred to as a special pattern or a special pattern. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52, they may simply be referred to as the special symbol display.

The normal symbol display 53 is composed of, for example, two LEDs. A lit LED and an extinguished LED represent a normal symbol, and a state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a fluctuating display of the regular symbol. Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 (gate sensor 13a), a determination is made as to whether or not to open a predetermined ball entry opening (in this embodiment, the second starting opening 12a) (normal hit determination); A normal symbol display 53 displays normal symbols in a variable manner. Then, the normal symbol display 53 definitively displays the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the ordinary symbol hit determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuating display of the ordinary symbol. If the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal operating member 12b of the second starting winning device 12 enters the ball entering permissive posture, and the second starting opening 12a is opened and a normal figure winning state (auxiliary game to be described later) occurs.

Each special symbol display device 51, 52 is composed of a plurality of LEDs. Each LED constituting each special symbol display device 51, 52 lights up in a predetermined lighting pattern, and a combination of a lit LED and an unlit LED represents a special symbol. A state in which the combination of LEDs that are turned off is changing represents a fluctuating display of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner until the special symbol is finally displayed will be referred to as a special symbol variation pattern.

When the game ball enters the first starting port 10a, a special figure hit determination (sometimes referred to as internal determination, jackpot determination, small hit determination, etc.) is executed to determine whether or not it is a hit (big hit). The special symbol display 51 variably displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display 51 definitively displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit determination after a predetermined variable time has elapsed since starting the variable display of the first special symbol. When the start of the variable display of a new first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51 is prohibited (when the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner, or when a jackpot game If the game ball enters the first starting port 10a during this state), the fluctuation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the entry of the ball is suspended. (operation reservation), and the number of operation reservations is displayed by the first special figure reservation display 51a. Hereinafter, the number of pending operations on the first special symbol display 51 will be referred to as the number of first special symbols pending.

In addition, when the game ball enters the second starting port 12a, a special pattern hit determination (sometimes referred to as internal determination, jackpot determination, small hit determination, etc.) is executed to determine whether it is a hit (big hit) or not. The second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display 52 definitively displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit determination after a predetermined variable time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the second special symbol. When the start of variable display of a new second special symbol on the second special symbol display 52 is prohibited (when the second special symbol display 52 is displaying a second special symbol in a variable manner, or when a jackpot game If the game ball enters the second starting port 12a during the state (when the state is occurring), the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the entry of the ball is suspended. (operation reservation), and the number of operation reservations is displayed by the second special figure reservation display 52a. Hereinafter, the operation pending number of the second special symbol display 52 will be referred to as the second special symbol pending number. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first number of reserved special figures and the second number of reserved special figures, it is simply referred to as the number of reserved special figures.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display starts displaying the special symbol to when it finally displays the special symbol will be referred to as one special symbol variation (or one variation of the special symbol). In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols decreases by one by executing the special symbol variation, it is called extinguishment of the reserved special symbols. In the pachinko game machine 1, the pending operation of the special symbol display device is used for the variable display of special symbols in the chronological order of their generation timing, and the number of reserved special symbols is used up. However, the consumption of the 2nd special figure reservation number is executed in priority to the consumption of the 1st special figure reservation number (the variable display of the 2nd special figure is executed with priority over the variable display of the 1st special figure. ). In addition, from the end of the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display until the variable display of the next special symbol starts due to the expiration of the number of reserved special symbols, there is a predetermined fluctuation interval (special symbol stop time). ) is provided.

[Display area of production display device 7]
Next, the effect display device 7 will be explained. The effect display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as effect images, message images, and demonstration images. A player plays a game while viewing these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The effect display device 7 variably displays effect (decoration) symbols as effect images in synchronization with the variable display of special symbols. The performance symbols are symbols representing arithmetic numbers (for example, 1 to 10). Note that the performance symbols may include symbols representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets or special characters, or may be combined with symbols representing characters other than numbers. As the areas where the performance display device 7 variably displays the performance symbols, a left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol display area are set in order from the left. A left performance symbol 7L is variably displayed in the left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol 7C is variably displayed in the middle performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol 7R is displayed in the right performance symbol display area (FIG. 1). Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the left performance symbol display area, the middle performance symbol display area, and the right performance symbol display area, they will simply be referred to as the performance symbol display area.

Examples of the manner in which each performance symbol changes include a manner in which the numbers represented by the performance symbols move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a manner in which they scroll in the vertical direction. As other variations, it is also possible to use a horizontal scrolling method in which the production symbols move from one side of the screen to the other, a switching method in which the production symbols are displayed in ascending numerical order at the same display position, etc. . Further, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as a effect image in the background of each effect pattern. For example, the background image is a moving image of a TV drama or a movie, an animated moving image of the moving image, an animation, an original moving image of a pachinko game machine manufacturer, or the like. The effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. Note that as the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using dot matrix LEDs, etc. can also be used.

The performance display device 7 displays each performance symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols on the special symbol displays 51 and 52 mentioned above, and displays each performance symbol in a fixed manner at the same time as the special symbol is displayed in a fixed manner. , The results of the special figure hit determination are displayed visually. Here, the left effect pattern 7L, the middle effect pattern 7C, and the right effect pattern 7R are completely stopped after the same effect pattern is in a display state (temporary stop display) in which it swings up and down and left and right at the stop position. The display state (confirmed display) is entered and the fluctuating display ends. It should be noted that all the performance symbols 7L, 7C, and 7R are displayed as confirmed at the same time.

Hereinafter, the combination of performance symbols that indicate that the result of the special pattern hit determination (jackpot determination) was a jackpot is referred to as the "jackpot design", and the combination of performance symbols that indicate that the result of the special pattern hit determination (small hit determination) was a small hit. The combination of performance symbols that represent this is called a "small hit performance design", and the combination of performance symbols that represent a loss (other than a small hit) as a result of the special pattern hit determination is called a "loss performance design". The jackpot effect pattern is a state in which each effect pattern represents the same number, a so-called aligned state. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left effect pattern 7L, middle effect pattern 7C, and right effect pattern 7R, which have been confirmed and displayed, are in a state where they are all "7". On the other hand, the small hit design is a specific combination other than the jackpot design (sorrow), for example, the left and right performance symbols are aligned with the same numbers, and the middle design is a chance symbol. The state of Moreover, the loss effect design is a combination of effect designs other than the jackpot effect pattern and the small win effect pattern. Hereinafter, the variable display of effect symbols performed by the effect display device 7 in synchronization with the variable display of special symbols (special symbol variation) on the special symbol display will be referred to as "variable effect." Furthermore, the image displayed behind the performance pattern in the variable performance is referred to as a "background image." Note that for effects other than variable effects, notifications, etc., an image displayed behind the main display image displayed on the effect display device 7 may also be referred to as a "background image." The background image is a still image or a moving image.

The fluctuating performance of the performance symbols is performed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols, and when the operation of the special symbol display device is suspended, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also suspended. In other words, the number of pending operations on the special symbol display and the number of pending operations on the performance display device 7 match. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation pending number of the production display device 7 corresponding to the special figure pending number is determined by the predetermined display area (hereinafter referred to as "effect pending display area 7Ba, 7Bb") of the production display device 7 according to the pending image. ”) will be displayed. Therefore, by counting the number of pending images displayed on the performance display device 7 (performance pending display areas 7Ba, 7Bb), the player can count the number of pending operations of the special symbol variable display (first special symbol pending number and first special symbol pending number). 2) You can know the number of reserved special drawings. In this embodiment, for each game state, one special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) corresponds to the starting opening (first starting opening 10a or second starting opening 12a) on which the ball is likely to enter. The number of pending operations is displayed in the main performance pending display area 7Ba on the left side, and the number of pending operations of the other special symbol is displayed in the sub performance pending display area 7Bb on the right side. Further, on the screen of the effect display device 7, a variable display area 7Bc is provided on the left side of the effect pending display areas 7Ba, 7Bb for indicating the existence of the variable effect being executed. Note that the effect pending display areas 7Ba, 7Bb and the variable display area 7Bc do not need to be provided on the screen of the effect display device 7, and may be provided on the screen of another display device, or may be provided with LEDs, etc. It may be configured by the lamp (light emitting means) used.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, in addition to notifying the result of the special symbol hit determination based on the result of the variable effect (stop display of the effect pattern), it also indicates the result of the variable effect and enlivens the process leading up to the display of the result. Perform performances, etc. Such effects include images displayed on the effect display device 7, sounds output from the speakers 8, lamps on the game board 2 and the front frame 18 (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, top lamp). 23c), etc., in combination. That is, the performance display device 7, speaker 8, lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c provided in the pachinko game machine 1 function as performance execution means for performing the performance.
Note that the effect display device 7, the speaker 8, and the lamps 2a, 23a, 23b, and 23c also function as abnormality notification means for notifying an abnormal state that has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

[Main electrical configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 60, a power supply board 70, a payout control board 73, a launch control circuit 75, an audio control board 78, a lamp control board 79, a rental ball payout device 80, and a launch device. 90, a sub-control board 100, and an image control board 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for game control) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (lotteries), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, small win type random numbers, reach random numbers, variable pattern random numbers, random numbers for common figures, and random numbers for common figure types. Occur. The CPU 62 detects entering balls, determines whether the ball hits a special figure, determines whether a regular figure hits, updates various random numbers, etc. The ROM 63 includes computer programs executed by the CPU 62, a win/fail determination table T1, a jackpot type determination table T2, T3, a small hit type determination table T4, a reach determination table T5, T6, a special pattern variation pattern selection table T7, T8, and a regular map. Various tables such as a hit type determination table T10 are stored. The RAM 64 is used as a work memory etc. when the CPU 62 executes a computer program.

Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special symbol reservation storage section 64a and a second special symbol reservation storage section 64b.
The first special figure reservation storage section 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. In other words, the maximum number of reserved first special symbols that can be stored is four. Each storage area contains a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small hit type random number, a reach random number, a fluctuation pattern random number, etc. acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball entering the first starting port 10a. The value (starting winning information) is stored. For example, if a game ball enters the first starting port 10a while the first special symbol display 51 is variably displaying the first special symbol, the execution of the variable display of the first special symbol based on the input ball is At this point, it is in a standby state. In this case, the starting winning information acquired with the entry of the ball as a trigger is stored in the first special figure reservation storage section 64a, and when it becomes possible to start fluctuation thereafter, the first special drawing winning information based on the starting winning information is stored. Fluctuation display starts. In other words, if the special figure fluctuation display cannot be started at the timing when the starting winning information is acquired with the ball entering the first starting hole 10a, the execution of the first special drawing changing display based on the starting winning information is not possible. The operation is held (suspended) until the start condition (starting condition) is satisfied.

The second special figure reservation storage section 64b includes first to fourth storage areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbols that can be stored is four. Each storage area includes a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small hit type random number, a reach random number, a fluctuation pattern random number, etc. acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball entering the second starting port 12a. The value (starting winning information) is stored. For example, when a game ball enters the second starting port 12a while the second special symbol display device 52 is variably displaying the second special symbol, the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol based on the input ball is At this point, it is in a standby state. In this case, the starting winning information acquired with the entry of the ball as a trigger is stored in the second special figure reservation storage section 64b, and when it becomes possible to start fluctuation afterwards, the starting winning information is acquired based on the starting winning information. Fluctuation display starts. In other words, if the special figure fluctuation display cannot be started at the timing when the starting winning information is acquired with the ball entering the second starting hole 12a, the execution of the variable displaying of the second special drawing based on the starting winning information is not possible. The operation is held (suspended) until the start condition (starting condition) is satisfied.

Starting winning information such as jackpot random numbers is sequentially stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reservation storage section 64a and the second special figure reservation storage section 64b in the order of occurrence of operation reservation, that is, the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61. is memorized. Therefore, if starting winning information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the starting winning information stored in the fourth storage area is the latest information in terms of time, and is stored in the first storage area. The starting winning information that is displayed is the oldest information in terms of time. The starting prize information stored in each storage area is shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order each time the variable display of the special symbol is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the determination (lottery) such as special symbol hit determination based on the starting winning information stored in the first storage area is performed at the start timing of the next variable display after the corresponding variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display ends. is executed when (when the start condition for the variable display is met).

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, as described above, the second reserved number of special symbols is used up in priority to the first reserved number of special symbols. That is, if there are both a plurality of first reserved special symbols and a plurality of second reserved special symbols, first the second reserved number of special symbols are consumed in order, and then the first reserved number of special symbols are consumed in order. For example, when starting winning information is stored in the first storage area of the first special figure reservation storage section 64a and the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage section 64b, the variable display of the special figure starts. When the timing has arrived, the starting winning information stored in the first storage area of the second special figure reservation storage section 64b is shifted to the execution area (execution target area), and the special drawing winning information is determined based on this starting winning information. A determination such as the following is executed. On the other hand, at this time, the starting winning information in the first storage area is not shifted in the first special figure reservation storage section 64a, and after that, the timing to start the variable display of the special figure with the second special figure reservation number in a state of 0 comes. When the time comes, it shifts to the execution area (execution target area) and judgments such as special figure winning judgment based on this starting winning information are executed.

Note that the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment uses information (operation input) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 13 during the normal pattern fluctuation display on the normal pattern display 53. It does not have a storage unit (storage area) for storing ball information). That is, when the normal symbol is not being displayed variably on the normal symbol display 53 and the auxiliary game is not being played (the normal operating member 12b is not operating) (when the gate entry flag described later is OFF). Only when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a random number per normal symbol (a random number for determining whether the normal symbol is a hit or not (lottery)) and a random number per common symbol (to determine the type of common symbol) A random number), etc. (activated ball entering information) is obtained, a normal pattern hit determination is executed using the obtained random value (activated ball entered information), and based on the result of the normal pattern hit determination. The ordinary symbol fluctuation display of the contents is executed on the ordinary symbol display 53.

Further, a RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60. That is, the RAM clear switch 66 can be pressed from the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the pachinko game machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 of the sub control board 100.

In addition, displays 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Furthermore, the main control board 60 has a first starting opening sensor 10b, a general winning opening sensor 11b, a second starting opening sensor 12c, a big winning opening sensor 15c, and a gate sensor 13a via a relay board 74. , and the specific area sensor 55a are electrically connected.

The first starting port sensor 10b detects the game ball that has entered the first starting port 10a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The general winning hole sensor 11b detects the game ball that has entered the general winning hole 11a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The second starting port sensor 12c detects the game ball that has entered the second starting port 12a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The big winning hole sensor 15c detects the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 15a and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 13a detects a game ball that has entered (passed through) the gate 13 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60. When a game ball is detected by a sensor other than the gate sensor 13a among the aforementioned sensors 10b, 11b, 12c, 15c, and 13a, a condition for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls for each sensor is established.

Further, the specific area sensor 55a detects a game ball passing through a specific area inside the big winning device 15 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 60.

Moreover, the second starting port solenoid 12d and the big prize winning port solenoid 15d are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the relay board 74. The second starting port solenoid 12d is energized under the control of the main control board 60, and changes the normal operating member 12b from the ball entry blocking attitude to the ball entry allowing attitude. The big prize opening solenoid 15d is excited based on the control of the main control board 60, and changes the special operating member 15b from the ball entry blocking attitude to the ball entry allowing attitude.

A card unit 76, a rental ball payout device 80, and a prize ball payout device 400 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and performs reading and writing of the balance on the prepaid card. The ball lending device 80 includes a ball lending motor 81 and a ball lending sensor 82. The ball rental motor 81 drives a member that puts out game balls as rental balls, and the ball rental sensor 82 sends a signal indicating that a game ball has been put out by the member to the main control via the payout control board 73. Output to the board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of rental balls put out by the rental ball payout device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When the ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76 has a balance greater than the minimum payout balance recorded, the ball lending device 80 is activated. A minimum unit number of rental balls is delivered to the batted ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that puts out a game ball as a prize ball, and the prize ball sensor 402 sends a signal indicating that a game ball has been put out by the member to main control via a payout control board 73. Output to the board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls put out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.

Further, a firing device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a firing control circuit 75. The firing device 90 includes a firing motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a firing volume 93. The firing motor 91 drives a hitting mallet (not shown) that hits and fires a game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The firing volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the hammer hits the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the firing lever 4a.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power via the payout control board 73 to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73. Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . Further, the power supply board 70 supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60 .

A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60, etc. when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 for turning on and off a main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70 .

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4). Although the main control board 60 can send commands to the sub control board 100, the sub control board 100 cannot send commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is unidirectional communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for performance control (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for performance control) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The production control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls the performance along with the game. The ROM 110 stores various tables in addition to a computer program for the CPU 102 to control the effects. RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special symbol pending performance storage section 121, a second special symbol pending performance storage section 122, and a variation performance storage section 123.

The first special figure pending performance storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is used for storing the first start winning command output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The starting winning information (random value, etc.) shown is stored. The first starting prize command is the starting winning information (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, fluctuating pattern random number, reach random number, etc.) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball enters the first starting port 10a. ).

On the other hand, the second special figure reservation effect storage section 122 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is connected to the second starting prize that is output (transmitted) from the main control board 60. The starting winning information (random value, etc.) indicated by the command is stored. The second starting winning command is triggered by the game ball entering the second starting port 12a, and the starting winning information (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, small winning type random number, fluctuation pattern This is a command that includes values such as random numbers and reach random numbers).

The variation performance storage unit 123 stores starting winning information (random value, etc.) indicated by the first starting winning command or the second starting winning command used for the variation of the changing performance pattern. The input/output circuit 103 transmits or receives data with each board connected to the sub-control board 100.

Further, a real-time clock (RTC) 124 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The RTC 124 measures the current (current) date and time (date and time). For example, when power is being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from an external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates using that power, and when power is not being supplied from the external power supply device, the RTC 124 operates using a backup power circuit provided in the power supply board 70. It operates by power supplied from 71. Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not turned on or when the memory contents of the RAM 120 are cleared. Note that a backup power supply circuit that supplies power to the RTC 124 may be provided in the sub-control board 100. In the pachinko game machine 1, it is possible to execute a special performance based on the time measurement result by the RTC 124.

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 includes a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), an image control CPU 202, a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. has been implemented. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as variable effect patterns, button effect images, and preview images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes a computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 in accordance with a display list created by the image control CPU 202 and develops the read image data in a development area within the VRAM 206 . Then, the VDP 201 combines the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the combined image data in a frame buffer in the VRAM 206. Then, the VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7. Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image.

The board lamp 2a, the production button lamp 5c, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the top lamp 23c, and the movable body motor 23d are electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79 controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create rotational movement pattern data that determines the operating mode of the rotating reflector in the top lamp 23c, and transfers the rotational movement pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Send to. The lamp control board 79 then controls the drive of the movable motor 23d according to the received rotational movement pattern data.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via an audio control board 78. The voice control board 78 is equipped with a voice control CPU (not shown), a voice data ROM (not shown), a voice synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). . The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The audio control CPU reads audio data from the audio data ROM based on commands received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The voice synthesis circuit synthesizes input voice data, converts the synthesized voice data into an analog voice signal, and outputs the analog voice signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs the sound indicated by the input audio signal.

Further, to the sub-control board 100, a production button detection switch 5a, a production lever push detection switch 6a, a production lever rotation detection switch 6b, a production button vibration motor 5b, and a production lever vibration motor 6c are electrically connected. has been done.

The performance button detection switch 5a outputs a signal indicating that the performance button 5 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100. Further, the production lever push detection switch 6a outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100. Further, the production lever rotation detection switch 6b outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100. On the other hand, the performance control microcomputer 101 changes the performance content of the button performance based on the signal input from the performance button detection switch 5a during the period of the button performance, which is a type of performance. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives input from the performance lever push detection switch 6a or the performance lever rotation detection switch 6b during a lever performance (lever performance that prompts the player to press or rotate), which is a type of performance. Based on the signal, changes are added to the content of the lever performance.

The performance button vibration motor 5b is a member that vibrates the performance button 5, and is housed inside the performance button 5. The production lever vibration motor 6c is a member that vibrates the production lever 6, and is provided at a portion in contact with the production lever 6 or inside the production lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the production button vibration motor 5b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the production lever vibration motor 6c. A performance control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from a ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance button 5 comes, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 5b based on the read operation pattern data. Further, the production control microcomputer 101 reads out operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the production timing for vibrating the production lever 6 comes, and drives and controls the production lever vibration motor 6c based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of gaming status]
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained.

(Jackpot game state, small win state)
The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called 1-type 2-type mixed machine that combines the playability of each gaming machine conventionally called a 1-type pachinko machine and a 2-type pachinko machine. Here, the gameplay of a Type 1 Pachinko machine is something that creates a jackpot gaming state when a player wins in the jackpot determination (jackpot lottery) of the special figure hit determination triggered by the ball entering the starting slot. , The gameplay of the 2nd type pachinko machine is that when a ball enters the starting hole and the ball enters the starting hole, if a player wins in the small winning lottery (small winning lottery), the big winning hole is opened. The game is developed into a jackpot game state when the game ball that enters the ball passes through a specific area inside the jackpot. In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, which is a 1st type and 2nd type mixing machine, when a jackpot is won in the special figure hit determination triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, a jackpot game state (hereinafter referred to as ``1st type jackpot state'') is established. ). In addition, in the special symbol winning judgment triggered by the ball entering the starting hole, if the jackpot judgment is a loss and the small hit judgment is a win (if you win the small hit), the large winning hole will be opened. A small winning state is generated, and only when a game ball that enters the big winning hole enters a specific area during this small winning state, a jackpot gaming state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Type 2 jackpot state") develop into In addition, since the type 2 jackpot state develops from the small win state as mentioned above, the small win state is considered as one round, and the release (V hit state) that occurs after the ball enters a specific area will be considered from the second round onwards. Count as 1 round. That is, a type 2 jackpot state is formed by a small win state and a subsequent V win state. On the other hand, it is also possible to regard only the V winning state as a jackpot gaming state.

In this embodiment, the jackpot game state and the small win state are gaming states that include a period in which the player can aim to enter the game ball into the same big win hole (big win hole 15a). The jackpot game state changes in the following order: an opening period, a continuous operation period during which multiple rounds (a period in which you can aim for a game ball to enter), and an ending period. During a round, the special operating member 15b is operated by driving the big winning hole solenoid 15d to open the big winning hole 15a. Here, in each round of the jackpot game state except for the first round of the type 2 jackpot state (small win state), the number of game balls that entered the big prize opening 15a reaches the predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10 balls). The round ends when the round ends or a predetermined open time (for example, 30 seconds) passes, whichever comes first. On the other hand, in the 1st round of the 2nd type jackpot state (small win state), either a shorter opening time (for example, 1.8 seconds) than other rounds has elapsed, or the number of game balls that entered the big winning hole 15a is The round ends when a predetermined upper limit number (a predetermined number of 10 balls or less) is reached, or when a round end condition (basically, the elapse of the open time) is satisfied, whichever comes first. In addition, an interval time (round interval) is set between rounds, and the grand prize opening 15a is set to remain closed at least during this interval time (the grand prize opening solenoid 15d is controlled to be inactive). ) to be done.

(Time-saving gaming state, non-time-saving gaming state)
Below, each function of the general time-saving game state (special symbol fluctuation time shortening function, normal symbol fluctuation shortening function, second starting port 12a opening time extension function, second starting port 12a opening frequency increasing function) is explained below. explain.
The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has, among the functions described below, a special symbol variation time shortening function and a second starting port 12a opening time extension function, and these functions are activated. This creates a time-saving gaming state.

A game state in which the probability variation function of the display (normal symbols) on the normal symbol display 53 operates can be defined as a time-saving gaming state, and a gaming state in which the function does not operate can be defined as a non-time-saving gaming state. When this normal pattern probability variation function is activated, the winning probability of the normal pattern hit determination is improved compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in a state where the probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, it is possible to increase the frequency with which the normal operating member 12b operates and the second starting port 12a opens.
However, the pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) of this embodiment does not have a probability variation function for normal symbols. On the other hand, it is also possible to have this function.
In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a probability variation function (improving the winning probability of special symbol hit determination) for each display (special symbol) on the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52. There is no gaming state (so-called "probability variable gaming state") in which the jackpot probability is higher than normal (low probability state). On the other hand, it may be possible to generate a probability variable game state in which a probability variation function of a special symbol is activated. In addition, in this case, the variable probability gaming state may be caused to occur simultaneously with the time saving gaming state.

A game state in which a special symbol variation time reduction function operates can be defined as a time-saving gaming state, and a gaming state in which the function does not operate can be defined as a non-time-saving gaming state. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, a short variation time is more likely to be selected as the special symbol variation time compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in a state where the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function is activated, for example, the frequency of deriving the result of special symbol fluctuation display can be increased, and the playing time until a jackpot game state etc. occurs can be shortened. It is possible. In addition, since the special figure reservation is consumed at a faster pace, effective ball entry into the starting hole (special figure reservation) is more likely to occur, so it is possible to realize smooth game progress.
Further, the game state in which the normal symbol variation time reduction function operates can be set as a time-saving game state, and the game state in which the function does not operate can be set as a non-time-saving game state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time becomes shorter than when it is not activated. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment does not have this function, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is always set to 0.1 seconds (100ms). On the other hand, it may be possible to have a function of shortening the variation time of normal symbols. If this function is provided, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is, for example, 30 seconds (30000ms) when the fluctuation time reduction function is not activated, and 0.1 seconds (100ms) when the fluctuation time reduction function is activated. It is possible to do this.
Furthermore, a gaming state in which at least one of the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function for the second starting port 12a operates can be defined as a time-saving gaming state, and the gaming state in which the function does not operate can be defined as a non-time-saving gaming state. . When the normal symbol is determined and displayed as a predetermined normal symbol, an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 12a is opened and closed in an operation pattern according to the current gaming state. The opening time of the second starting port 12a in this auxiliary game is longer than that in the non-time saving game state due to the opening time extension function. In addition, the number of openings of the second starting port 12a in this auxiliary game is greater than that in the non-time saving game state due to the opening number increasing function. Therefore, under a situation where the opening time extension function or the opening frequency increasing function is activated, the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 12a is increased. As a result, the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls becomes high, so the player can aim for a big hit (or a small win) without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has.

In this way, the variable time shortening function for special symbols and normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function for the second starting opening 12a reduce the frequency of game balls entering the second starting opening 12a. This is a support function to enhance the performance. Among these, especially regarding the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function regarding the operation of the normal operating member 12b (driving the second starting port solenoid 12d), the control for operating at least one of these functions is referred to as "electrical support control". ” sometimes happens.

Among the above functions, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can operate the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function and the second starting port 12a opening time extension function, and these two functions can be activated in the gaming state. It is possible to generate a non-time-saving gaming state in which these two functions do not operate together, and a time-saving gaming state in which these two functions operate together. However, the time-saving gaming state may be any state in which at least one function is activated; for example, in addition to or in place of at least one of the above two functions, it may be a gaming state in which a probability fluctuation function of normal symbols is activated. Good too.

In addition, the "time saving game state" in this embodiment is a state in which electric support control is performed (by the open time extension function), and the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls is high, so the "high base state (advantageous It can be rephrased as "gaming state)". On the other hand, the "non-time-saving gaming state" can be rephrased as a "low base state (normal gaming state)" in contrast to the high base state described above.

Here, the conditions for granting the time-saving gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 include, for example, that the jackpot gaming state (type 1 jackpot state) based on the determination of a predetermined jackpot symbol (special symbol) ends; The jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) based on the game ball passing through a specific area in the small winning state when the small winning symbol (special symbol) is determined ends, and the predetermined time saving symbol (special symbol) is terminated. It is possible to set that the special symbol variation display based on the result of the special symbol hit determination when the special symbol is determined ends, etc.
In addition, the conditions for ending the time-saving gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 include, for example, that the special pattern variation display be performed a predetermined number of times, that the regular pattern variation display be performed a predetermined number of times, and that the A jackpot is determined and the corresponding special pattern variation display ends (the jackpot game state starts) until a predetermined number of special pattern variation displays (or a predetermined number of regular pattern variation displays) are executed. The small win of the predetermined number of times is determined and the corresponding special feature is executed until the predetermined number of special pattern fluctuation displays (or the predetermined number of regular pattern fluctuation displays) are executed. A predetermined small winning symbol (special symbol) is created between the end of the symbol fluctuation display (the start of the small winning state) and the execution of a predetermined number of special symbol fluctuation displays (regular symbol fluctuation display). It is possible to set that the corresponding special figure fluctuation display ends (the small winning state starts) when the corresponding special figure fluctuation display is determined.
The conditions for granting and ending the time-saving gaming state in this embodiment will be described later (see the determination table in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[Main judgment table]
Next, the main determination tables referred to by the game control microcomputer 61 of the pachinko game machine 1 will be explained.

(Accuracy judgment table T1)
The validity determination table T1 shown in FIG. 5 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing the special symbol hit determination (big hit determination, small hit determination). The win/fail determination table T1 is configured by associating the type of special figure hit determination (which corresponds to the first special figure or the second special figure) and the jackpot random number value. The jackpot random number value is a value generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot random number counter operates and a jackpot random number value is generated. The jackpot random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. The jackpot random number counter of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65,536 values from 0 to 65,535. In other words, a total of 65,536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65,535 can be generated.

A total of 328 values from 0 to 327 are set in the win/fail determination table T1 as jackpot random numbers for determining the hit of the first special map. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot if the jackpot random number value obtained from the jackpot random number counter is within the range of 0 to 327, and if it is a value other than 0 to 327 (328 to 65535) out of 0 to 65535. If so, it is determined that it is not a jackpot, that is, a loss.

In addition, a total of 328 values from 0 to 327 are set in the win/fail determination table T1 as jackpot random numbers for determining the hit of the second special symbol. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot if the obtained jackpot random number value is within the range of 0 to 327, and if it is other than 0 to 327 (328 to 65535) among 0 to 65535. , it is determined that it is not a jackpot, that is, a loss. However, among the jackpot random numbers that are determined to be a loss (not a jackpot), if the value is within the range of 328 to 2312, it is determined to be a small win. In other words, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is the same between the winning judgment of the first special drawing and the winning judgment of the second special drawing, but if it is judged that it is not a jackpot, the judgment of the second special drawing is a small winning. The winning probability is much higher than that of a jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, since the first special pattern is not determined to be a small hit, the second special pattern is not determined to be a small hit compared to the first special pattern. There is a very high probability that

(Jackpot type determination table T2, T3)
The jackpot type determination tables T2 and T3 shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 executes jackpot type determination when a jackpot is determined in the special figure hit determination. This is a table where The jackpot type determination table is configured by associating a predetermined number of jackpot type random values for each jackpot type (jackpot symbol type). The jackpot type random number value is a value generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and a jackpot type random number value is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99 can be generated.

Here, as the first special symbol among the special symbols, there are multiple types of jackpot symbols 1-1 to 1-6 that indicate a jackpot (that a jackpot gaming state occurs) and a jackpot symbol 1-1 to 1-6 that indicates that it is not a jackpot or small win. At least one type of losing pattern is set. It should be noted that for the first special figure, a small winning symbol indicating that a small winning has occurred (a small winning state occurs) is not set. If it is determined to be a jackpot in the special pattern hit determination of the first special pattern, the jackpot symbol (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type determination table T2 shown in FIG. 6(a), and by determining this jackpot symbol, The type of jackpot gaming state and the type of subsequent gaming state are determined. In each jackpot game state, the upper limit of the opening time of the jackpot 15a in each round is set to 30 seconds.

For example, if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 0 to 13 (14%), "jackpot symbol 1-1" is determined as the jackpot symbol, and 3 rounds jackpot is determined as the jackpot game state type (number of rounds). The time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbol 1-1" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the first small winning state It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.
In addition, if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 14 to 25 (12%), "jackpot symbol 1-2" is determined as the jackpot symbol, and 3-round jackpot is determined as the jackpot game state type (number of rounds). The time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbol 1-2" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the second small winning state is started. It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.
Also, if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 26 to 35 (10%), "jackpot symbols 1-3" are determined as the jackpot symbol, and a 3-round jackpot is determined as the number of rounds in the jackpot game state, A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbol 1-3" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the third small winning state It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.

Also, if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 36 to 43 (8%), "jackpot symbols 1-4" are determined as the jackpot symbol, and the jackpot game state type (number of rounds) is 3 rounds jackpot. The time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbol 1-4" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the fourth small winning state is started. It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.
Also, if the jackpot type random number is within the range of 44 to 49 (6%), "jackpot symbols 1-5" are determined as the jackpot symbol, and the jackpot game state type (number of rounds) is 3 rounds jackpot. The time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state starts when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "Jackpot Symbols 1-5" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the fifth small winning state It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.

On the other hand, if the jackpot type random value is within the range of 50 to 99 (50%), "jackpot symbols 1-6" are determined as the jackpot symbol, and 3 rounds are determined as the jackpot game state type (number of rounds). A jackpot is determined, and a time-saving gaming state is determined as a gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbols 1-6" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 10 times, or the 10th small winning state is started. It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence.

In this way, when a jackpot judgment result is derived in the special pattern hit judgment of the first special pattern, which one of the six types of jackpot symbols from "jackpot symbol 1-1" to "jackpot symbol 1-6" is derived. The number of rounds of jackpot gaming states (types of jackpot gaming states) and subsequent gaming states are determined accordingly. Here, if any of "Jackpot Symbols 1-1" to "Jackpot Symbols 1-5" is determined (50%), the number of executions of the special symbol fluctuation display, which is the end condition, is set as a time-saving gaming state. A time saving game state set to 77 times occurs. On the other hand, if "Jackpot Symbols 1-6" is determined (50%), the time-saving game is a time-saving game state in which the number of executions of the special symbol fluctuation display, which is the ending condition, is set to only 10 times. The condition is set to occur. In addition, the number of small hits that are the conditions for ending the time-saving game state differs depending on the type of jackpot symbol, but this point will be described later.

On the other hand, the second special symbol among the special symbols is one type of jackpot symbol 2-1 that indicates a jackpot (that a jackpot gaming state occurs) and a jackpot symbol 2-1 that indicates a small win (a small win state occurs). ) A plurality of types of small winning symbols a, b, c, d, e, f are set, and at least one type of losing symbol indicating that the winning is not a jackpot or small winning. If it is determined to be a jackpot in the special pattern hit determination of the second special pattern, the jackpot symbol (jackpot type) is determined based on the jackpot type determination table T2 shown in FIG. 6(b), and by determining this jackpot symbol, The type of jackpot gaming state and the type of subsequent gaming state are determined. In addition, in the jackpot game state, the upper limit of the opening time of the jackpot 15a in each round is set to 30 seconds.

In this embodiment, when the special pattern hit determination of the second special pattern is a jackpot determination result, no matter where the jackpot type random number is from 0 to 99 (100%), the jackpot pattern is "Jackpot pattern 2- 1'' is determined, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type of jackpot gaming state (number of rounds), and a time-saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state corresponding to "jackpot symbol 2-1" ends, and the special symbol fluctuation display is executed 500 times, or the first small winning state is started. It is stipulated that it will end depending on the determination of its occurrence. In other words, if the special pattern hit determination of the second special pattern becomes a jackpot, it is extremely unlikely that the termination condition based on the number of executions of the special pattern fluctuation display will be satisfied as the termination condition for the time-saving gaming state, and the termination condition will be based on the number of small hits. It is extremely likely that the conditions will be met.

(Small hit type determination table)
The small hit type determination table T4 shown in FIG. 7 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the type of small win when it is determined that it is a small win. The small winning type determination table T4 is configured by associating a predetermined number of small winning type random values for each small winning type (small winning symbol type). The small winning type random number value is a value generated by the small winning type random number counter. A computer program for operating the small winning type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the small winning type random number counter operates to generate a small winning type random number value. The small hit type random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the small win type random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 small winning type random values from 0 to 99 can be generated. As described above, in this embodiment, the small winning symbols include "small winning symbol a", "small winning symbol b", "small winning symbol c", "small winning symbol d", and "small winning symbol". Six types are set: "e" and "small winning symbol f."

When a small winning symbol is determined, a small winning state occurs. In the small winning state, the big winning opening 15a is set to open for a shorter time (1.8 seconds) than the opening time (30 seconds) of each round in the above-mentioned jackpot game state. In addition, when the game ball that enters the big prize opening 15a in a small winning state passes through a specific area, the small winning state develops into a jackpot game state (type 2 jackpot state) (transfers to a V winning state). The upper limit of the opening time of the big prize opening 15a in each round (second round and onwards) of this jackpot game state (V winning state) is set to 30 seconds as in the type 1 jackpot state.

When a small hit judgment result is derived in the special pattern hit judgment of the second special pattern, if the small winning type random value is 0 (1%), "small winning pattern a" is determined as the small winning pattern. Ru. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state starts when the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to "small winning symbol a" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 500 times or the first It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined. That is, when the special figure hit determination of the second special figure becomes a small hit determination result and "small hit symbol a" is determined, the end condition based on the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display is set as the end condition of the time-saving game state. The possibility of this being true is extremely low, and the possibility of the termination condition based on the number of small wins being met is extremely high.

On the other hand, if the small hit type random value is within the range of 1 to 23 (23%) when a small hit judgment result is derived in the special pattern hit judgment of the second special pattern, then the small winning symbol is selected as “small hit”. "Winning symbol b" is determined. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state starts when the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to "small winning symbol b" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the first It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined.
Further, if the small winning type random number value is within the range of 24 to 45 (22%), "small winning symbol c" is determined as the small winning symbol. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started at the end of the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to "small winning symbol c", and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the second It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined.

Further, if the small win type random number value is within the range of 46 to 65 (20%), "small win symbol d" is determined as the small win symbol. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to the "small winning symbol d" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times or the third time. It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined.
Further, if the small win type random number value is within the range of 66 to 83 (18%), "small win symbol e" is determined as the small win symbol. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state is started when the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to "small winning symbol e" ends, and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times or the fourth It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined.
Further, if the small win type random number value is within the range of 84 to 99 (16%), "small win symbol f" is determined as the small win symbol. In this case, a 10-round jackpot is determined as the type (number of rounds) of the jackpot gaming state (type 2 jackpot state) that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in the small winning state, and after the jackpot gaming state A time saving gaming state is determined as the gaming state. In this case, the time-saving gaming state starts with the end of the jackpot gaming state that developed from the small winning state corresponding to "small winning symbol f", and the special figure fluctuation display is executed 77 times, or the 5th time It is determined that the game ends when the occurrence of a small winning state is determined.

(Reach judgment table)
The reach determination table T5 shown in FIG. 8(a) is related to the determination of the special pattern fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation display of the first special symbol by the game control microcomputer 61. This is a table to be referred to when deciding whether to use a loss-likelihood variation pattern). In addition, the reach determination table T6 shown in FIG. 8(b) is related to the determination of the special pattern fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation display of the second special symbol by the game control microcomputer 61, and the special symbol fluctuation pattern in which the reach (losing reach) appears. This is a table that is referred to when determining whether to use a pattern (loss-likelihood variation pattern). These reach determination tables T5 and T6 are configured by associating the reach random value generated by the reach random number counter with the gaming state. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 values from 0 to 255. That is, the reach random number counter can generate a total of 256 reach random values from 0 to 255. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the reach random number counter operates to generate a reach random number value.

It should be noted that the reach refers to the performance symbol that indicates the result of special symbol hit determination among the plurality of performance symbol groups (left performance symbol 7L, middle performance symbol 7C, right performance symbol 7R) that are variably displayed on the performance display device 7. When the production symbol group corresponding to the remaining one production symbol in the combination is not displayed in a stopped state (temporary stop display, stationary display), and the production symbol that is not displayed in a stopped state is displayed in a stopped state, it is possible to win the jackpot. A combination of performance symbols indicating whether or not the game is played will be constructed. For example, when one of the combinations of jackpot effect symbols is "777", "7" is stopped and displayed as the left effect symbol 7L in the left effect symbol display area, and the right effect symbol 7R is displayed in the right effect image display area. ``7'' is displayed in a stopped state, and the medium effect symbol 7C is not displayed in a stopped state (temporary stop display, stationary display) in the medium effect symbol display area (scrolling display or switching display). It is in reach condition.
In addition, the above-mentioned "stop display (temporary stop display, stationary display)" is a display state in which the production design remains within the display area but does not stand still, and in addition to the state in which the production design is shaking, it is also enlarged and It conceptually includes the state of repeating. On the other hand, the "determined display" of performance symbols is a state in which the combination of statically displayed performance symbols is displayed in a still state, and indicates that the variable display has ended.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the case where the winning judgment for the first special drawing is made in a non-time-saving gaming state and results in a loss, if the reach random value is in the range of 0 to 27, , it is determined that there is a reach (that is, it is set as a losing reach variation pattern), and if it is otherwise, it is determined that there is no reach (that is, that it is set as a normal variation pattern in which no reach appears). On the other hand, in the time-saving gaming state, if the first special symbol is determined to be a hit and the result is a loss, the reach random value is any value in the range of 0 to 255. None (that is, a normal fluctuation pattern in which reach does not appear) is determined. In other words, if the first special symbol hit determination is made in the time-saving gaming state and the determination result is a loss, a variable performance in which a reach is not appeared is always executed, and a fluctuation performance in which a reach is appeared is not executed. (Reach can only appear in variable effects that result in a jackpot).

As shown in FIG. 8(b), if the second special symbol hit determination results in a loss, regardless of whether the gaming state at that time is a time-saving gaming state or a non-time-saving gaming state. First, even if the reach random value is any value in the range of 0 to 255, no reach (that is, a normal variation pattern in which no reach appears) is determined. In other words, if the second special pattern is judged to be a hit and the result is a loss, a variable effect in which a reach is not displayed is always executed, and a variable effect in which a reach is appeared is never executed. (Reach can only appear in variable performances that result in big or small wins).

As described above, in this embodiment, the loss reach variation pattern is determined as the special symbol variation pattern when the special symbol hit determination results in a loss determination result, based on the first special symbol performed during the non-time-saving gaming state. This is limited only to the case of determining the special figure fluctuation pattern of the fluctuation display, and in other cases, the normal fluctuation pattern in which no reach appears is determined.

(Special figure fluctuation pattern selection table)
The special figure variation pattern selection table T7 shown in FIG. 9(a) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special figure variation pattern regarding the variable display of the first special figure. Moreover, the special figure variation pattern selection table T8 shown in FIG. 9(b) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the special figure variation pattern regarding the variable display of the second special figure. The special figure fluctuation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 include random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, small hit type random numbers, and reach random numbers (judgment results of jackpot determination, small hit determination, and reach determination), and fluctuation pattern random values. The types of special pattern fluctuation patterns are divided according to the gaming state and the number of reserved special patterns at the time of the special pattern hit determination. The special figure variation pattern includes information such as the variation time of the special figure variation display and the content of the variation effect (variable effect pattern). In addition, the variation production patterns shown in the special figure variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 are the rough types (production contents) of the variation production that are determined corresponding to the special figure variation patterns, and are listed for reference. .

The fluctuation pattern random number value is a value generated by the fluctuation pattern random number counter. A computer program for operating the variable pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the variable pattern random number counter operates to generate a variable pattern random number value. The variable pattern random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 values from 0 to 99. In other words, a total of 100 variation pattern random values from 0 to 99 can be generated.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), if the special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol is performed in a non-time-saving gaming state and the determination result is a jackpot, the fluctuation pattern will be disturbed regardless of the number of reserved special symbols. If the numerical value is within the range of 0 to 94, the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected, and if the value is within the range of 95 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P1 is 70 seconds (70,000ms), and the variation time of the special figure variation pattern P2 is 30 seconds (30,000ms). The variable effect pattern corresponding to the special figure variable pattern P1 is associated with the content of displaying the SP ready-to-reach state that has developed from the ready-to-reach state. The variable effect pattern corresponding to the special figure variable pattern P2 is associated with the content of displaying the normal reach. On the other hand, if the first special symbol hit determination is made in a non-time-saving gaming state and results in a loss, and if the reach determination results in a reach, the fluctuation pattern random value If it is within the range of 0 to 4, the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected, while if the variation pattern random value is within the range of 5 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P3 is 70 seconds (70,000ms), and the variation time of the special figure variation pattern P4 is 30 seconds (30,000ms). The variable effect pattern corresponding to the special figure variable pattern P3 is associated with the content of displaying the SP ready-to-reach state that has developed from the ready-to-reach state. The variable effect pattern corresponding to the special figure variable pattern P4 is associated with the content of displaying the normal reach. In addition, if the special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol is performed in a non-time-saving gaming state and the result is a loss, and if the reach determination results in no reach, there is a normal fluctuation pattern in which no reach appears. is selected. In this case, if the number of special symbols on hold is 0 to 2, special symbol fluctuation pattern P5 with a variation time of 10 seconds (10,000ms) is selected, and if the number of special symbols on hold is 3 or 4, the variation pattern P5 is selected. A special figure fluctuation pattern P6 having a time of 5 seconds (5,000ms) is selected. The performance contents of normal fluctuation (non-reach and loss fluctuation) are associated with the fluctuation performance patterns corresponding to these special figure fluctuation patterns P5 and P6.

In addition, if the special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern is performed in the time-saving gaming state and the result is a jackpot, the fluctuation pattern random number will be within the range of 0 to 99, regardless of the number of reserved special symbols. Regardless of the value, the special figure fluctuation pattern P7 is selected. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P7 is 5 seconds (50,000ms), and is associated with the content of displaying the SP reach that has evolved from the reach state. On the other hand, if the first special symbol hit determination is made in the time-saving gaming state and results in a loss, the reach determination will not determine that there is a reach, and the special symbol fluctuation pattern will not be determined. A normal variation pattern in which reach does not appear is selected. In this case, if the number of special drawings on hold is 0 or 1, the normal fluctuation pattern P8 with a fluctuation time of 5 seconds (5,000ms) is selected, and if the number of special drawings on hold is 2 to 4, the fluctuation time A normal fluctuation pattern P9 in which the time is 2.5 seconds (2,500ms) is selected. The performance contents of normal fluctuation (non-reach and loss fluctuation) are associated with the fluctuation performance patterns corresponding to these special figure fluctuation patterns P8 and P9.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the special symbol hit determination for the second special symbol is performed and the determination result is a jackpot, the gaming state is either the non-time-saving gaming state or the time-saving gaming state. Regardless of the special figure reservation number, the special figure variation pattern P10 is selected even if the variation pattern random value is any value within the range of 0 to 99. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P10 is 50 seconds (50,000ms), and is associated with the content of displaying the SP reach that has evolved from the reach state. In addition, if the special figure hit determination for the second special figure is made and the result is a small hit, regardless of whether the gaming state is a non-time-saving gaming state or a time-saving gaming state, Regardless of the number of reserved figures, the special figure variation pattern P11 is selected even if the variation pattern random value is any value within the range of 0 to 99. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P11 is 50 seconds (50,000ms), and is associated with the content of displaying the SP reach that has developed from the reach state. On the other hand, if the first special pattern hit judgment is made and the judgment result is a loss, the reach judgment will not determine that there is a reach, and the reach will not appear as a special pattern fluctuation pattern. A normal variation pattern is selected. In this case, if the number of special drawings on hold is 0 or 1, the normal fluctuation pattern P12 with a fluctuation time of 50 seconds (5,000ms) is selected, and if the number of special drawings on hold is 2 to 4, the fluctuation time A normal fluctuation pattern P13 in which the time is 2.5 seconds (2,500ms) is selected. The performance contents of normal fluctuation (non-reach and loss fluctuation) are associated with the fluctuation performance patterns corresponding to these special figure fluctuation patterns P12 and P13.

(Normal symbol validity judgment table)
The normal symbol correctness determination table T9 shown in FIG. 10 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing the normal symbol correctness determination. The normal symbol propriety determination table T9 is configured by associating the random number value per common symbol with the determination result of the determination of winning a regular symbol. The random number value per ordinary figure is a value generated by a random number counter per ordinary figure. A computer program for operating the random number counter per regular symbol is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the random number counter per regular symbol operates and a random number value per regular symbol is generated. The random number counter per common figure may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. The random number counter per normal figure of the pachinko game machine 1 counts a total of 65,536 values from 0 to 65,535. In other words, a total of 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 can be generated per common map.

A total of 60,000 values from 0 to 59,999 are set in the normal symbol correctness determination table T9 as the winning random number value for determining the normal symbol. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the random value per normal figure obtained from the random number counter for a normal figure is a value within the range of 0 to 59999, and determines that it is a normal figure win. If there is, it is determined that the winning pattern is not normal, that is, it is a loss.

(Type determination table per ordinary map)
The ordinary figure per type determination table T10 shown in FIG. 11 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when determining the operation pattern of the ordinary operation member 12b. In the normal pattern winning type determination table T10, a normal pattern random number value is distributed for each winning pattern of the normal pattern, and each winning pattern is associated with an operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. Note that the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b includes information on the opening time of the second starting port 12a (the operation time of the normal operation member 12b).

The type random number value per ordinary figure is a value generated by the type random number counter per ordinary figure. A computer program for operating the type random number counter per ordinary figure is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the type random number counter per ordinary figure operates to generate the type random number value per ordinary figure. generate. The general pattern per type random number counter may utilize a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the type random number counter per ordinary figure counts a total of 233 values from 0 to 232. In other words, it is possible to generate a total of 233 type random values for each ordinary figure from 0 to 232.

Here, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b are a short-time operation pattern FS1, a medium-time operation pattern FS2 (second operation pattern), and a long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern). Three types of operation patterns are set. Among these, the short-time operation pattern FS1 is an operation pattern in which the second starting port solenoid 12d is energized for 36 ms (during 36 ms, the normal operating member 12b is operated to open the second starting port 12a). . On the other hand, the long-time operation pattern FS3 is an operation pattern in which the second starting port solenoid 12d is energized for 5800 ms (the normal operating member 12b is operated to open the second starting port 12a for 5800 ms). . On the other hand, the medium-time operation pattern FS2 is an operation pattern in which the second starting port solenoid 12d is energized for 600 ms (the normal operating member 12b is operated to open the second starting port 12a for 600 ms). ing.

As shown in FIG. 11, if the normal symbol hit determination performed in the non-time saving gaming state results in a winning determination, if the normal symbol per type random number is within the range of 0 to 116, the normal symbol The symbol hz1 is determined as the winning symbol, and the short-time operation pattern FS1 is selected as the operation pattern. On the other hand, if the type random number per ordinary symbol is within the range of 117 to 232, the symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol of the ordinary symbol, and the short-time operation pattern FS1 is selected as the operation pattern. That is, in the non-time-saving gaming state, about 50% of the winning judgment results in the normal pattern winning judgment triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 will be the short-time operation pattern FS1, and the remaining about 50% will be the short-time operation pattern FS1. is the middle time operation pattern FS2, so even if the normal pattern hit determination turns out to be a hit, there is a high possibility that the second starting port 12a will only be opened for a short time, and it will be opened for a rather short time (medium time). There is a possibility.

On the other hand, if the normal pattern hit determination performed in the time-saving gaming state results in a winning result, if the normal pattern per type random number is within the range of 0 to 82, the symbol will be considered a normal symbol. hz1 is determined, and medium time operation pattern FS2 is selected as the operation pattern. On the other hand, if the type random number per ordinary symbol is within the range of 83 to 232, the symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol of the ordinary symbol, and the long-time operation pattern FS3 is selected as the operation pattern. That is, in the non-time-saving gaming state, about 36% of the winning judgment results in the normal pattern winning judgment triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 become the medium-time operation pattern FS2, and the remaining about 64%. is the long-time operation pattern FS3, so if the normal pattern hit determination becomes a hit determination result, there is a high possibility that the second starting port 12a will be open for a long time, and it is possible that it will be open only for a slightly short time (medium time). There is also gender.

As described above, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a plurality of types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b based on different decision probabilities between the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 can be controlled to determine an operation pattern (long-time operation pattern FS3) in which the opening time of the second starting port 12a is longer with a higher probability in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. , corresponds to the electric support control (based on the open time extension function) described above.
Note that having the medium time operation pattern FS2 as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b is one of the features of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, and will be described in detail later.

[Main processing of the game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processes executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main-side main control processing will be explained with reference to FIG.
When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out a computer program for main control processing from the ROM 63 and executes it. The game control microcomputer 61 first performs initial settings (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). This initial setting includes, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU 62 settings, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: Interrupt Performs settings such as time management circuit) and resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt prohibition (S2) and executes normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3). In this normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process, the above-mentioned jackpot random value, jackpot type random value, small hit type random value, reach random value, fluctuation pattern random value, random value per common symbol, and random value per common symbol type random value. The initial value of each random number counter that generates is updated by adding "1" to each initial value. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented by "1" again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Alternatively, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a value of "2" or more. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit including a counter IC or the like. If this hardware random number is used, there is no need for software to update the random number (S3).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S4). While interrupts are enabled, main side timer interrupt processing (S5) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on an interrupt pulse inputted to the CPU 62 at a period of 4 ms, for example. In other words, it is executed at a 4ms cycle. Then, after the main side timer interrupt process (S5) ends and before the next main side timer interrupt process (S5) starts, the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S3) Initial value update processing for various counters is executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt disabled state, the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) will not start immediately, but will start after interrupt permission (S4) is executed. Ru.

(Main side timer interrupt processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes output processing (S10). In this output process, commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 in each process described below are output to the sub control board 100, the payout control board 73, etc. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes input processing (S11). In this input process, various sensors attached to the pachinko game machine 1 (first starting port sensor 10b, second starting port sensor 12c, gate sensor 13a, big winning opening sensor 15c, specific area sensor 55a, general winning opening sensor Each detection signal detected by the mouth sensor 11b, etc.) is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, a subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (subtracted). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out a prize ball according to the type of winning hole is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process in FIG. In other words, the process of updating the initial value of each random number counter is performed during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during the other period (after the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5), the update process of the next main side timer This is performed both during the period until the interrupt processing (S5) is started).

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sequentially executes a sensor detection process (S15), a normal operation process (S16), a special symbol standby process (S17), and a special symbol related process (S18), which will be described later. The process (S19) is executed to end the main side timer interrupt process. Other processes (S19) include an abnormality determination process for determining whether an abnormal state has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the abnormality determination process includes an unauthorized ball entry detection process that detects an illegally entered ball, a magnetic detection process that detects illegal magnetism, a door opening process that detects opening of the front frame 18 or the inner frame, and an illegal radio wave detection process. There is radio wave detection processing, shock detection processing that detects shock (vibration), etc. In addition, in other processes, the first special figure reservation display 51a is controlled to display the number based on the first special figure reservation number, and the second special figure reservation is controlled based on the second special figure reservation number. The display 52a is controlled to display the number. Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the processes of S2 to S4 of the main control process on the main side are repeatedly executed, and when the interrupt pulse is input (about 4 ms later), the main side timer interrupt is executed again. Input processing (S5) is executed. In the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process executed again, the commands etc. set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 in the previous main side timer interrupt process (S5) are output to a predetermined board. .

(Design sensor detection processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the symbol sensor detection process (S15) will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S30). That the game ball has passed through the gate 13 is detected by the gate sensor 13a. When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (S30: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a gate passing process (S31). In this gate passing process, it is determined whether the gate entry flag is ON or OFF. This gate entry flag is ON during the period from when the game ball passes through the gate 13 until the corresponding normal pattern fluctuation display ends (in the case of a normal pattern, until the operation of the normal operating member 12b ends). This is the flag to be used. As mentioned above, since this embodiment does not have a memory unit that stores the activation hold of normal symbols, the state of the gate entry flag is checked in the gate passing process (S31), and if it is ON, the above-mentioned The process is terminated as the detection by the gate sensor 13a is invalid (detection during normal pattern fluctuation display or auxiliary game execution). On the other hand, when the gate entering ball flag is OFF, the gate entering ball flag is changed to ON, with the detection by the gate sensor 13a being regarded as valid detection (detection when normal figure fluctuation display and auxiliary game are not being executed). , the process ends.

After the end of S31, or when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 13 (S30: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second starting port 12a. (S32). The fact that the game ball enters the second starting port 12a is detected by the second starting port sensor 12c. If the game ball has not entered the second starting port 12a (S32: No), proceed to S38, but if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second starting port 12a (S32: Yes), game control The microcomputer 61 determines whether the second special symbol reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S33). If the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit "4" (S33: Yes), proceed to S38, but if the second special figure reservation number U2 has not reached "4" (S33: No), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the second special symbol reservation number U2 (S34). As a result, the fluctuation reservation condition for the second special symbol is established.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure related random number acquisition process (S35). In this second special figure related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a small hit type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in the second special figure pending memory. It is stored in a storage area of the section 64b that corresponds to the current number of second reserved special symbols. For example, if the current number of reserved second special symbols is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S36). In this second starting winning command creation process, a second starting winning command is created based on each random number group obtained in S35. This second starting prize winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second starting port 12a, data indicating each random number obtained in S35, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S36 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S37). This set second start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the effect based on each random number included in the second start winning command.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 10a (S38). The fact that the game ball enters the first starting port 10a is detected by the first starting port sensor 10b. If the game ball has not entered the first starting port 10a (S38: No), the sensor detection process ends, but if it is determined that the ball has entered the first starting port 10a (S38: Yes), the game control The microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the first special symbol reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S39). If the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S39: Yes), the sensor detection process is ended, but if the first special figure reservation number U1 has not reached "4" (S39: No ), the game control microcomputer 61 adds 1 to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S40). As a result, the fluctuation reservation condition for the first special symbol is established.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure related random number acquisition process (S41). In this first special figure related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in the current It is stored in a storage area according to the number of first reserved special symbols. For example, if the current number of reserved first special symbols is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command creation process (S42). In this first starting winning command creation process, a first starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure pending storage section 64a in S41. This first starting winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the first starting opening 10a, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage section 64a in S41, etc. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S42 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S43). This set first start winning command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes the performance based on each random number included in the first start winning command.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the normal operation process (S16) will be explained with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the auxiliary game is in progress (the normal operating member 12b is in operation) (S50), and if it is determined that the auxiliary game is not in progress (S50: No), the normal symbols are stopped. It is determined whether or not it is being displayed (S51). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the normal symbols are not being displayed in a stopped state (S51: No), it determines whether or not the normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner (S52), and the normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner. If it is determined that the ball is not inside (S52: No), it is determined whether the aforementioned gate entry flag is OFF (that is, whether or not valid detection by the gate sensor 13a has occurred) (S53). Here, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the gate entry flag is OFF (S53: Yes), it ends the normal operation process.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the gate entry flag is ON in S53, that is, if the game ball passes through the gate 13 at a valid timing (S53: No), it determines that the game is a hit. Processing is performed (S54-1). In this common symbol hit determination process (S54-1), a common symbol hit determination is performed based on the relationship between the acquired common symbol random number value and the normal symbol validity determination table T9, and it is determined whether or not the common symbol is a hit. Then, if this normal pattern hit determination is a winning judgment result, a normal pattern determination process (including a normal pattern type determination process) is performed based on the relationship between the normal pattern per type random number value and the normal pattern per type type determination table T10. Then, the normal pattern stop symbol data corresponding to the result of the normal pattern hit determination is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 64 (S54-2). In other words, in the normal pattern determination process (S54-2), if it is a "loss", data is set according to the "normal loss pattern", and if it is a "win", data is set according to the normal pattern determination process. Data corresponding to the "normal winning symbol" (normal symbol hz1 or normal symbol hz2) is set.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs normal pattern fluctuation time determination processing (S54-3). In the normal symbol fluctuation time determination process (S54-3), regardless of whether the gaming state is a time-saving gaming state or a non-time-saving gaming state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is 0.1 seconds and the normal symbol stop time is 0.1 seconds. Select a normal symbol fluctuation pattern that is 0.5 seconds. In this embodiment, the variation time of the normal symbols (normal symbol variation pattern) is constant regardless of the gaming state.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 starts variable display of normal symbols based on the contents (variation time, stop symbols) determined in S54-1, S54-2, and S54-3 (S54-4). In addition, in conjunction with this, a normal symbol variation start command is set in order to notify the sub-control board 100 of the start of variation of the normal symbols and the result of the variation display (the type of the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed). This normal pattern variation start command includes the validity of the normal pattern hit determination determined in S54-1, S54-2, and S54-3, the stop symbol, and the normal pattern fluctuation time.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S52 that the normal symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner (S52: Yes), it determines whether or not the fluctuating time for the regular symbol has ended (S55-1); If it is determined that the process has not ended (S55-1: No), the normal operation process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has ended (S55-1: Yes), the fluctuating display of the normal symbol will be displayed according to the result of the normal symbol hit determination or the regular symbol hit type determination (normal winning symbol or normal losing symbol). to stop it (S55-2). Then, a normal pattern fluctuation stop command (variation stop command for normal symbols) is set to notify the sub-control board 100 that the normal pattern fluctuation has stopped (S55-3), and a normal symbol stop time is set (S55-3). -4) Finish normal operation processing.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S51 that the normal symbols are being stopped and displayed (S51: Yes), it determines in S56-1 whether or not the stop time of the normal symbols has ended, and the game ends. If it is determined that it has not been performed (S56-1: No), the normal operation process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has ended (S56-1: Yes), it is determined whether or not the normal pattern stop symbol data of the normal winning pattern is set, that is, whether or not it is a hit (S56-2). If it is determined that it is not a hit (S56-2: No), the gate entry flag is turned OFF (S59), and the normal operation process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a hit (S56-2: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is in a time-saving gaming state (S56-3), and if it is determined that it is in a time-saving gaming state (S56-3: Yes) , executes normal operation pattern determination processing (time saving) (S57-1). On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit (S56-2: Yes) and it is determined to be a non-time-saving gaming state (S56-3: No), a normal operation pattern determination process (non-time-saving) is executed (S57- 2).

Here, in the normal operation pattern determination process (time saving) of S57-1, the normal operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b is determined based on the above-mentioned ordinary figure type determination table T10 (FIG. 11). That is, there are two types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b when performing the auxiliary game during the time-saving game state: a medium time operation pattern FS2 and a long time operation pattern FS3, and one of them is determined. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an operation pattern in the subsequent S57-3, and starts the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operation member 12b) (S57-3). As a result, during the time-saving game state, the second starting port 12a is basically opened for 5800 ms, and may be opened for 600 ms as the case may be. Then, the normal operation process ends.
On the other hand, in the normal operation pattern determination process (non-time saving) of S57-2, the normal operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b is determined based on the above-mentioned ordinary figure type determination table T10 (FIG. 11). That is, there are two types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b when performing the auxiliary game during the non-time-saving game state: a short-time operation pattern FS1 and a medium-time operation pattern FS2, and one of them is determined. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an operation pattern in the subsequent S57-3, and starts the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operation member 12b) (S57-3). As a result, during the non-time-saving gaming state, it is basically opened for 36 ms, and in some cases it is opened for 600 ms. Then, the normal operation process ends.

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the auxiliary game is in progress (the normal operation member 12b is in operation) in S50 described above (S50: Yes), (termination condition) is satisfied (S58-1). Here, the operation end condition is the operation time end condition that the operation time for each operation pattern set in S57-1 or S57-2 has ended, or the operation time end condition that the number of balls entering the second starting port 12a is specified. This is the condition for the number of pitches entered. Further, the prescribed number of balls entering condition is defined as 10 balls entering the second starting port 12a.
If the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied (S58-1: No), it ends the normal operation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the satisfaction is satisfied (S58-1: Yes), the auxiliary game (operation of the normal operation member 12b) is ended (S58-2), and the gate entry flag is turned OFF (S59), and the normal operation is performed. Finish the process.

(Special design standby processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the special symbol standby process (S17) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the special symbol fluctuation time or stop time is being measured (S60), and if it is being measured (S60: Yes), the special symbol standby process is ended. do. On the other hand, if neither the fluctuation time nor the stop time of the special symbol has been measured (S60: No), the process advances to S61. In S61, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special symbol pending number U2 is "0". Then, when it is determined that the value is not "0" (S61: No), that is, when the starting conditions for the variable display of the second special figure are satisfied, the game control microcomputer 61 A determination process (S62) and a second special figure variation pattern selection process (S63) are executed. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special figure reservation number U2 (S64), and stores each data stored in each storage area of the second special figure reservation storage section 64b. are shifted one by one to the storage area with the older order, that is, the side to be read (S65). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special symbol fluctuation start process (S66). In this second special symbol variation start process, a special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and variable display of the second special symbol is started on the second special symbol display 52. The special pattern fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special pattern stop symbol set in the second special pattern jackpot determination process (FIG. 17), which will be described later, and the second special pattern fluctuation pattern selection process (FIG. 18). The data of the second special figure fluctuation pattern set in FIG. 19) is included. After executing S66, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" in S61 described above (S61: Yes), the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0". It is determined whether or not (S67). If it is determined that it is not "0" (S67: No), that is, if the starting conditions for the variable display of the first special symbol are satisfied, the game control microcomputer 61 performs the first special symbol hit determination process that will be described later. (S68) and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (S69) are executed. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special figure reservation number U2 (S70), and stores each data stored in each storage area of the first special figure reservation storage section 64a. The data is shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest order, that is, the side to be read (S71). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special symbol fluctuation start process (S72). In this first special symbol variation start process, a special symbol variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the first special symbol display 51 starts varying display of the first special symbol. The special pattern fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special pattern stop symbol set in the first special pattern hit determination process (FIG. 17), which will be described later, and the first special pattern fluctuation pattern selection process (FIG. 18). The data of the first special figure fluctuation pattern set in FIG. 19) is included. After executing S72, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the first special figure pending number U1 is "0" (S67: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not it is in a standby state (S73). The standby state refers to a state in which the jackpot game state is not in progress, the special symbols are not changing, and the number of special symbols pending is zero. More specifically, the standby state is a state that occurs when, in addition to the above-mentioned conditions, a certain period of time or more has elapsed in which the symbols have stopped after the special symbols (or performance symbols) have been displayed. Here, if it is determined that the game is in a standby state (S73: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not in a standby state (S73: No), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a standby screen setting process (S74). In this standby screen setting process, a predetermined standby time is measured, and after this waiting time has elapsed, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64. After that, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol standby process.
As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol is performed only when the second special symbol reservation number U2 is "0" (S61: Yes). That is, the extinguishment of the second special figure reservation is executed in priority to the extinguishment of the first special figure reservation.

(Second special figure hit determination process (first special figure hit determination process))
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the second special symbol hit determination process (S61) and the first special symbol hit determination process (S67) will be described. Note that the second special figure hit determination process and the first special figure hit determination process have the same processing flow, so they will be explained together.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage section of the RAM 64 (S80), and refers to the validity determination table (in this example, the validity determination table T1) (S81). . Next, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random numbers (judgment values) corresponding to jackpots in the win/fail determination table T1, and determines whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read out in S80. , it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot (S82).

When it is determined that it is a jackpot (S82: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that it is determined to be a jackpot (S83). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage section, and reads the jackpot type determination table (in this example, jackpot type determination table) in which a plurality of jackpot types are set. With reference to tables T2, T3), the type of jackpot is determined (S84). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot pattern of the special pattern, the stop pattern of the special pattern, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, the jackpot effect pattern, etc. differ. Further, the upper limit number of times of the time-saving gaming state is also determined depending on the type of jackpot. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 sets special pattern stop symbol data for definitively displaying the jackpot symbol of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S84 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S88). This process ends.

On the other hand, if it is not determined to be a jackpot (S82: No), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the range of random numbers corresponding to a small win in the win/fail determination table T1, and selects the same random number as the jackpot random number read out in S80. It is determined whether there is a small hit or not (S85). As mentioned above, there are cases where the player does not win a small prize in the first special drawing lottery, but wins a small prize in the second special drawing lottery. If it is determined that it is a small win (S85: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the small win flag indicating that it is determined to be a small win (S86). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the small hit type random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage section, and refers to the small hit type determination table T4 in which a plurality of small win types are set. , the type of small hit is determined (S87). Depending on the type of small hit, the small winning pattern of the special pattern, the stop pattern of the special pattern, the distribution rate, the small winning effect pattern, etc. differ. Also, depending on the type of small win, whether or not there is a jackpot game state due to passing through a specific area, the continuation of the time-saving game state, the end of the time-saving game state, etc. are also determined. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the special pattern stop symbol data in the special pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 for definitively displaying the small winning pattern of the special pattern corresponding to the small winning type determined in S87 (S88 ), this process ends.

On the other hand, if it is not determined to be a small hit (S85: No), that is, if it is determined to be a loss, the game control microcomputer 61 transfers the special pattern stop pattern data to the special pattern buffer for displaying the losing pattern of the special pattern. (S88), and this process ends.

The process of S82 in the special figure hit determination process is an example of the special figure hit determination (jackpot determination) of the present invention. Further, the process of S85 in the special figure hit determination process is an example of the special figure hit determination (small hit determination) of the present invention.

(Special figure variation pattern selection process (1st/2nd special figure variation pattern selection process))
Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the second special figure variation pattern selection process (S62) and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (S68) will be described. In addition, since the second special figure variation pattern selection process and the first special figure variation pattern selection process have the same processing flow, they will be explained together as the special figure variation pattern selection process.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the time saving flag indicating the time saving gaming state is OFF (S90). If it is determined that the time saving flag is OFF (S90: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S91. If it is determined that the time saving flag is not OFF (S90: No), the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S99.

The game control microcomputer 61 that has moved to S91 and S99 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON. When it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S91, S99: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the table corresponding to the type of special symbol among the special symbol fluctuation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 and selects a jackpot for the jackpot. Select the special figure fluctuation pattern (S92, S100). For example, in the case of a non-time-saving gaming state, a special symbol variation pattern for a jackpot is selected with reference to the special symbol variation pattern selection table T7 (S92). In addition, in the case of the time-saving gaming state, a special symbol variation pattern for a jackpot is selected with reference to the special symbol variation pattern selection table T8 (S100). The game control microcomputer 61 that has selected the special figure fluctuation pattern then moves to S98.

Further, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is not ON (S91, S99: No), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the small win flag is ON (S93, S101). When it is determined that the small hit flag is ON (S93, S101: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 selects the special symbol by referring to the table corresponding to the type of special symbol among the special symbol fluctuation pattern selection tables T7 and T8. A figure variation pattern is selected (S94, S102). As described above, in this embodiment, there is a case where the player does not win a small hit in the first special drawing drawing, but wins a small winning drawing in the second special drawing drawing. When a small win is won in the second special drawing lottery, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the special pattern variation pattern selection table T8 and selects a special pattern variation pattern for the small win (S94, S102). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S98.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the small hit flag is OFF (S93, S101: No), the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S95, S103. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage section, and determines whether the acquired reach random number is a reach established random number ( S95, S103). The game control microcomputer 61 determines that the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number if it exists among the random numbers (judgment values) corresponding to the reach establishment in the reach determination table T5 (S95, S103: Yes). After that, the game control microcomputer 61 selects a special symbol variation pattern for a hit or miss with reference to the table corresponding to the type of special symbol among the special symbol variation pattern selection tables T7 and T8 (S96, S104). . The game control microcomputer 61 that has selected the special figure fluctuation pattern then moves to S98.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S95, S103: No), the game control microcomputer 61 selects a table corresponding to the type of special symbol from among the special symbol fluctuation pattern selection tables T7 and T8. With reference to , a special symbol variation pattern for a no-reach loss is selected (S97, S105). The game control microcomputer 61 that has selected the special figure fluctuation pattern then moves to S98.

After completing S92, S94, S96, S97, S100, S102, S104, and S105, the game control microcomputer 61, which has moved to S98, stores the fluctuation pattern data indicating the selected fluctuation pattern in the special pattern fluctuation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64. Set, and finish the special figure fluctuation pattern selection process. The fluctuation pattern data set in the special pattern fluctuation pattern buffer in S98 is included in the special pattern fluctuation start command set in S66 and S72 of the special symbol standby process described above, and is outputted in the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10). As a result, the signal is output to the sub-control board 100.

(Special design related processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 20, special symbol related processing (S18) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 first determines whether it is the end timing of measuring the variation time of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) (time according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern set in S98). (S110). Then, when it is determined that it is the end timing of the variation time (S110: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 displays the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in S88 (variation of the special symbol). At the same time, a special figure fluctuation stop command (a special figure fluctuation stop command) is set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (S111-2). In addition, measurement of the stop time of the special symbol is started (S111-3). Then, the game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol related process after completing S111-3.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is not the end timing of the special symbol variation time in S110 described above (S110: No), the game control microcomputer 61 stops the measurement of the special symbol stop time started in S111-3 described above. It is determined whether it is the end timing (S112). When it is determined that it is the end timing of the stop time (S112: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process to be described later (S113). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S114-1), and if it determines that it is ON (S114-1: Yes), executes a game state reset process ( S114-2). In this gaming state reset process, it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON or not, and when it is determined that it is ON, the time saving flag is turned OFF.

If the gaming control microcomputer 61 determines in S112 mentioned above that it is not the end timing of the special symbol stop time (S112: No), it determines whether the gaming state is a jackpot gaming state (Type 1 jackpot state or V winning state). It is determined whether or not (S115-1). In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game is in a jackpot game state, for example, when the jackpot flag is ON and neither the fluctuation time nor the stop time of the special symbol is measured. If it is determined in this S115-1 that it is a jackpot game state (S115-1: Yes), special electric accessory processing ( (described later) is executed (S115-2). After S115-2 ends, the special symbol related process ends.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines in the above-mentioned S115-1 that the jackpot game is not in the state (S115-1: No), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S116-1 without going through the above-mentioned S115-2, and starts playing the game. It is determined whether the state is a small winning state or not. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a small winning state, for example, when the small winning flag is ON and neither the fluctuation time nor the stop time of the special symbol is measured. If it is determined in this S116-1 that there is a small winning state (S116-1: Yes), a special electric accessory process (described later) regarding the small winning state is executed (S116-2). After S116-2 ends, the special symbol related process ends.

(Game state management processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the contents of the gaming state management process (S113) will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the time saving flag is ON in order to determine whether the time saving gaming state is in effect (S113-1). If it is determined that the time saving flag is OFF (S113-1: No), the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S113-7, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (S113-1: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the value of the time saving counter (S113-2). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the value of the time saving counter after subtraction by 1 has become "0" (S113-3). If it is determined that the value of the time saving counter after subtraction by 1 has become "0" (S113-3: Yes), the time saving flag is turned OFF (S113-5) and the process moves to S113-6.

On the other hand, if the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the value of the time saving counter after subtracting 1 in S113-3 is not "0" (S113-3: No), the game control microcomputer 61 It is determined whether or not an ending condition corresponding to the number of small wins during the time-saving gaming state is satisfied among the ending conditions of the gaming state (S113-4). If it is determined that the end condition corresponding to the number of small wins during the time-saving game state is satisfied (S113-4: Yes), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S113-5), and the process moves to S113-6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the end condition corresponding to the number of small wins during the time-saving gaming state is not satisfied (S113-4: No), the process does not go through S113-5 (the time-saving flag is not turned OFF). , the process moves to S113-6.

In S113-6, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a game state designation command including information on the current game state in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and then ends the game state management process. In addition, in this embodiment, the gaming state designation command specifies any of the following as gaming state information: non-time-saving gaming state, time-saving gaming state, jackpot gaming state (type 1 jackpot state, V-winning state), and small winning state. Contains. The gaming state designation commands that can be set at S113-6 (when a predetermined stop time has elapsed from the end of the variable display of special symbols) are a non-time saving gaming state, a time saving gaming state, and a jackpot gaming state (type 1 jackpot state). , or a small hit. The gaming state designation command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process. The value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1 every time a special symbol variation is completed, and when the value of the time-saving counter reaches "0", the time-saving gaming state ends with the end of the current symbol variation and shifts to the non-normal state. .

(Special electric accessory processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V win state))
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the contents of the special electric accessory processing (S117) regarding the type 1 jackpot state or the V win state will be explained. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric accessory processing shown in FIG. 22 during a period when the special symbols are neither fluctuating nor stopped and the jackpot flag is ON.

The game control microcomputer 61 performs jackpot opening setting (S117-1), jackpot round setting (S117-2), jackpot ending setting (S117-3) in special electric accessory processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V jackpot state). etc. In the jackpot opening setting (S117-1), the gaming control microcomputer 61 issues a command (opening command (jackpot start command)) indicating the start timing and end timing of the opening period (jackpot opening) of the jackpot gaming state (type 1 jackpot state). , opening end command) to the output buffer of the RAM 64. In addition, in the jackpot round setting (S117-2), the game control microcomputer 61 sends a command (round Processing such as setting a start command (open command) and a round end command (close command) into the output buffer of the RAM 64 is performed. Furthermore, in the jackpot ending setting (S117-3), the game control microcomputer 61 sends a command (ending Processing such as setting the ending command (ending end command (jackpot end command)) into the output buffer of the RAM 64 is performed.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 sets and measures the execution time of the jackpot opening and jackpot ending in a predetermined timer in the jackpot opening setting and jackpot ending setting described above. Further, in the aforementioned jackpot round setting, the game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the jackpot 15a in an operation pattern according to the type of jackpot game state. During the round game, when the upper limit number of game balls enters the grand prize opening 15a or when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the game control microcomputer 61 closes the grand prize opening 15a and ends the round game. The game control microcomputer 61 opens and closes the big prize opening 15a for the number of rounds determined for each type of jackpot game state. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts 1 from the value of the special electric bonus operation valid counter every time a round game is started, and ends the round game when the value of the special electric reward operation valid counter becomes "0." Later, in the jackpot ending setting, an ending command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 and output.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether it is the end timing of the jackpot gaming state (the end timing of the jackpot ending) (S117-4). Then, when it is determined that it is not the end timing of the jackpot game state (S117-4: No), the special electric accessory processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V winning state) is ended. On the other hand, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S117-4 that it is the end timing of the jackpot game state (S117-4: Yes), it executes the processes of S117-5 to S117-8. Here, the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the jackpot flag in S117-5, turns on the time-saving flag in the subsequent S117-6, and further sets the time-saving counter in S117-7. Then, in S117-8, a gaming state designation command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and the special electric accessory processing (Type 1 jackpot state, V winning state) is ended. The game control microcomputer 61 ends the special symbol-related processing after finishing this special electric accessory processing (type 1 jackpot state, V winning state).

(Special electric accessory processing (small hit condition))
Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the special electric accessory processing (S121) regarding the small winning state will be explained. The game control microcomputer 61 executes the special electric accessory process (small win) shown in FIG. 23 in order to open the large prize opening 15a based on the small win. In addition, since the special electric accessory processing (small winning state) in this embodiment is executed in relation to the second special figure, the description will be given assuming the second special figure.

The game control microcomputer 61 executes small winning opening setting (S119-1), small winning opening setting (S119-2), etc. in the special electric accessory processing (small winning state). In the small winning opening setting (S119-1), the game control microcomputer 61 sends commands (opening command (small winning start command), opening end) indicating the start timing and end timing of the opening period (small winning opening) in the small winning state. command) to the output buffer of the RAM 64. The small win opening refers to an effect in which an effect image celebrating the occurrence of a small win is displayed on the effect display device 7, and a song celebrating the occurrence of a small win is played from each speaker 8. In the small winning opening setting, the execution time of the small winning opening is set in a predetermined timer and measured. In addition, in the small winning opening setting (S119-2), the game control microcomputer 61 sends commands (opening command, closing command) indicating the start timing and end timing of the opening period of the big winning opening 15a in the small winning state to the RAM 64. Performs processing such as setting it in the output buffer of.

After that, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has passed through a specific area (S119-3). A game ball passing through a specific area is detected by a specific area sensor 55a. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the specific area (S119-3: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag (S119-4). Then, as a gaming state specifying command including information on the gaming state, a gaming state specifying command including information indicating a V winning state is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S119-5). Note that this gaming state designation command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process. As a result, in the pachinko game machine 1, even if the game ball passes through a specific area while the big winning opening 15a is open due to a small winning state, the jackpot game state is the same as when it is determined to be a jackpot in the special pattern hit determination. It becomes possible to carry out control to cause (develop a small win state into a 2nd type jackpot state).

If S119-3 is a negative determination (S119-3: No) or after S119-5 ends, the game control microcomputer 61 moves to S119-6. In this S119-6, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the condition for closing the large prize opening 15a based on the small winning is satisfied. The conditions for closing the big winning opening 15a based on a small winning win are that the upper limit number of game balls enter the ball after the big winning opening 15a is opened, or the opening time of the winning small winning has elapsed. . Then, when it is determined that the closing condition of the big prize opening 15a is satisfied (S119-6: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 turns off the small hit flag (S119-7), and special electric accessory processing (small (hit condition) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the condition for closing the big prize opening 15a is not satisfied (S119-6: No), the special electric accessory processing (small winning state) is ended without going through S119-7.

[Main processing of the production control microcomputer 101]
Next, the main processes executed by the production control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) will be explained with reference to the drawings.

(Sub-side main control processing)
First, with reference to FIG. 24, the sub-side main control process will be described.
First, the production control microcomputer 101 executes initial settings (S160). This initial setting includes, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU 102 settings, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: Interrupt Performs settings such as time management circuit) and resets various flags, counters, timers, etc. Next, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 are normal (S161), and if the negative determination is made (S161: No), the RAM 120 is It is initialized (S162) and proceeds to S163. Moreover, when an affirmative determination is made in S161 (S161: Yes), the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S163 without initializing the RAM 120. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S161: No), the production control microcomputer 101 initializes the RAM 120. However, if the power-off signal is turned ON due to a power outage or the like, but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S161: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters, timers, etc. are reset. Further, S160 to S162 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 disables interruptions (S163) and executes random number update processing (S164). In this random number updating process, the initial values of various performance determining random number counters are updated. Note that the random numbers for performance determination include a variable performance pattern random number for determining a variable performance pattern, a preview performance random number for determining various preview performances, and the like. The random number updating method can be the same as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes a command transmission process (S165). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the production control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the audio control board 78, the lamp control board 79, etc. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes interrupt permission (S166). Thereafter, S163 to S166 are repeatedly executed. Furthermore, while interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S167), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S168), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S169) can be executed.

(Reception interrupt processing)
Next, the reception interrupt process (S167) will be explained.
The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) applied from the main control board 60 to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the production control microcomputer 101 has changed, that is, the command Determine whether it is the timing to receive. For example, it is determined whether the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. Then, if it is determined that it is not the timing to receive it, the production control microcomputer 101 ends this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the timing to receive, the performance control microcomputer 101 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 60, and stores the received various commands in the reception buffer of the RAM 120. This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S168, S169).

(1ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the 1ms timer interrupt process (S168) will be described.
The production control microcomputer 101 executes this 1ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a 1ms cycle is input to the sub-control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S170). In this input process, the production control microcomputer 101 uses switch data (i.e., switch data ( edge data and level data).

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S171). In this output process, a variable effect start command, which is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in a variable effect start process to be described later, is output to the image control board 200. In addition, in order to cause the panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b to emit light in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7, lamp data created in lamp processing (S183) in the 10ms timer interrupt processing, etc., which will be described later, is used. Output to lamp control board 79. That is, the panel lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, and right side lamp 23b are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Further, in order to drive the movable body motor 23d in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7, drive data (data for driving the movable body motor 23d) is created, and the created drive data is output. That is, the movable body motor 23d is driven in a predetermined operation pattern according to the drive data. In addition, in order to output audio from the speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7, audio data created in audio control processing (S184) in the 10ms timer interrupt processing (described later), etc. is output to the audio control board 78. In other words, audio is output from the speaker 8 according to the audio data.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether a variable production start command has been output (S172). The variable effect start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 in a variable effect start process to be described later, and is output to the image control board 200 in S171. Here, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the variation production start command has been output (S172: Yes), it starts measuring the variation time of the variation production pattern (S173). Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S174). After the end of S174, or when it is determined that the variable performance start command has not been output (S172: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

(10ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the 10ms timer interrupt process (S169) will be described.
The performance control microcomputer 101 executes this 10ms timer interrupt process every time a 10ms cycle interrupt pulse is input to the sub-control board 100. The production control microcomputer 101 executes a received command analysis process (FIG. 27), which will be described later (S180), and executes a switch state acquisition process (S181). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the 1ms timer interrupt process input process (S170) is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt process. Next, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process is executed to set display contents such as button effects displayed by the effect display device 7 (S182). Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S183). In this lamp processing, creation of lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) according to the display on the effect display device 7, time management of the light emission effect, etc. I do. Thereby, each lamp performs a light emitting effect that matches the display on the effect display device 7.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes audio control processing (S184). In this audio control processing, audio data (data for controlling audio output from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio data is output to the audio control board 78, time management of audio effects, etc. are performed. Thereby, audio is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display on the effect display device 7. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S185), and ends this processing. In other processing (S185), processing such as updating a variable performance pattern random number, a preview performance random number for determining a preview performance, etc. is executed. In addition, in other processes (S185), a right-handed performance process is performed to encourage the player to play right-handed, and in response to receiving various commands from the game control microcomputer 61 (S180), Performance mode setting processing and the like are executed to set a performance mode (described later) in accordance with the specified game situation.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the received command analysis process (S330) will be described.
The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a gaming state designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S190-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S190-1: Yes), the sub-side gaming state setting is performed. Processing is executed (S190-2). The gaming state designation command includes information indicating the gaming state (which one is the non-time-saving gaming state, the time-saving gaming state, the type 1 jackpot state, the small winning state, and the V winning state). In this sub-side gaming state setting process, the received gaming state designation command is analyzed, the currently set gaming state is identified based on the information included in the gaming state designation command, and the game state indicating that gaming state is determined. The status flag is set to "1" and the other gaming status flags are set to "0". In addition, the production control microcomputer 101 starts measuring the stop time (of production symbols 7L, 7C, and 7R on the left center right) in the variation production end process (S196-2, when receiving the special symbol variation stop command), which will be described later. Finish the measurement.
After completing the process of S190-2, or when determining that the gaming state designation command has not been received in S190-1 (S190-1: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S191-1.

The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a starting winning command (first starting winning command or second starting winning command) has been received from the main control board 60 (S191-1), and if it is determined that it has been received. (S191-1: Yes), a pre-read effect determination process is executed (S191-2). In the pre-read performance determination process (S191-2), starting winning information (for example, jackpot winning information) included in the starting winning command stored in the first special drawing holding effect storage unit 121 (or second special drawing holding effect storage unit 122) Random value, jackpot type random value, small hit type random value, reach random value, etc.) are determined. In other words, before the game control microcomputer 61 starts displaying the special symbols in a variable manner (at the time of starting ball entry), special symbol hit determination, jackpot type determination, small hit type determination, and reach determination are performed (prior determination). . Then, it is determined whether or not to perform the suggestive performance by lottery according to the result of the preliminary determination.
After completing the process of S191-2, or when determining that the start winning command has not been received in S191-1 (S191-1: No), the performance control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S192-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S192-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S192-1: Yes), executes the opening performance selection process. (S192-2). In this opening performance selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed in the opening of the jackpot game state is selected. Specifically, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) in which opening performance patterns are set in association with each opening command is referred to, and an opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance using the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After completing the process of S192-2, or when determining that the opening command has not been received in S192-1 (S192-1: No), the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S193-1.

The performance control microcomputer 101 determines whether a round designation command has been received from the main control board 60 (S193-1). If it is determined that a round designation command has been received in this process (S193-1: Yes), a round effect selection process is executed (S193-2). In the round performance selection process, the type of round performance to be executed in each round in the jackpot game state is selected, and a round performance start command for starting the selected round performance is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After completing the process of S193-2, or when determining that the round designation command has not been received in S193-1 (S193-1: No), the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S194-1.

The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S194-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S194-1: Yes), executes an ending effect selection process. (S194-2). In this ending performance selection process, the ending command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (content) of the ending performance to be executed at the ending of the jackpot game state is selected. Specifically, an ending effect pattern selection table (not shown) in which an ending effect pattern is associated with each ending command is referred to, and an ending effect pattern associated with the received ending command is selected. Then, an ending effect start command for starting an ending effect using the selected ending effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After the production control microcomputer 101 completes the process of S194-2, or if it is determined that the ending command has not been received in S194-1 (S194-1: No), the process proceeds to S195-1.

The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special figure variation start command has been received from the main control board 60 (S195-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S195-1: Yes), the variation production described below is executed. Start processing (FIG. 28) is executed (195-2). In this variable production start process, a more specific production content (variation production pattern) of the variation production is determined in accordance with the special figure variation start command received from the main control board 60, and a command is issued to instruct execution of the variation production. is set in the output buffer of RAM 120. In addition, in the variable production start process (S195-2), the production control microcomputer 101 identifies the variation time of the special figure variation display according to the special figure variation pattern included in the received special figure variation start command, and specifies the variation time of the special figure variation display. The measurement of the fluctuation time is started as the execution time of the fluctuation performance (the fluctuation time of the performance symbols 7L, 7C, and 7R on the left center right).

After executing this variable performance start process (S195-2), the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a suggested performance selection process (S195-3), which will be described later. In the suggestion performance selection process, it is determined whether or not to perform the suggestion performance during the variable performance and the type of suggestion performance to be executed. When it is determined to execute the suggestion effect, a command for instructing the execution of the suggestion effect is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120.
After completing the process of S195-3, or when determining that the variation start command has not been received in S195-1 (S195-1: No), the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S196-1.

The production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special symbol variation stop command has been received from the main control board 60 (S196-1), and if it is determined that it has been received (S196-1: Yes), the variation production end process is performed. (S196-2). In this fluctuating performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a fluctuating performance end command to the output buffer of the RAM 120 to end the fluctuating performance. When the set variable effect end command is sent to the image control board 200 by the command transmission process (S165 in FIG. 25), the image control board 200 transmits the left effect that is in the stopped state (staying state) in the effect display device 7. The symbol 7L, the middle performance symbol 7C, and the right performance symbol 7R are definitively displayed. In addition, in the variation production end process (S196-2), the production control microcomputer 101 finishes measuring the variation time that was started in the variation production start process (S195-2), and the production pattern 7L after the variation production. ,7C,7R start measuring the stop time (same time as the stop time of special figure fluctuation display).
After completing the process of S197-2, or when determining that the variation stop command has not been received in S196-1 (S196-1: No), the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to S197.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 performs processing related to reception of commands other than the above-mentioned commands (S197), and ends the received command analysis processing.

(Fluctuating performance start processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the variable effect start processing (S195-2) will be explained.
The production control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received special figure fluctuation start command (S210). The special figure variation start command includes information on the second special figure variation pattern (first special figure variation pattern) set in the second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process), and special figure stop information. It includes symbols (jackpot type determination results), etc. Next, if the special symbol variation start command analyzed in S210 is the first special symbol variation start command, the production control microcomputer 101 sets the first special symbol reservation production counter so as to synchronize with the first special symbol reservation number. If it is a second special figure fluctuation start command, subtract "1" from the value of the second special figure reservation production counter so as to synchronize with the second special figure reservation number (S211). . The first special figure holding performance counter is a counter that counts the number corresponding to the first special figure holding number based on the reception of the first starting winning command, and the second special drawing holding effect counter is a counter that counts the number corresponding to the number of reserved special drawings based on the reception of the first starting winning command. This is a counter that counts the number corresponding to the second special figure pending number based on the reception of. Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 101 shifts each data such as the start winning command stored in the special figure pending performance storage unit to the old storage area (S212). Next, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the combination of the left performance pattern 7L, middle performance pattern 7C, and right performance pattern 7R to be finally displayed as a final performance pattern when the performance display device 7 displays the variable performance pattern. A selection is made with reference to a table (not shown) (S213).

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes production content selection processing (S214). As performance content selection processing, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the performance content (which is to be performed in conjunction with the variation of the performance symbols) from a fluctuation performance pattern selection table (not shown) based on the instructed special symbol fluctuation pattern. (variable production pattern). Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 101 sets a variable performance start command in the output buffer of the RAM 120 to cause the performance display device 7 to start displaying the performance content (variable performance pattern) selected in S214 (S215). The variable performance start command includes performance image data for displaying performance symbols on the performance display device 7 in addition to performance content (variable performance pattern). Then, by setting the variable performance start command including the performance image data in the output buffer of the RAM 120, the performance image data is output to the image control board 200 in the output process (S171) of the 1ms timer interrupt process. As a result, a performance pattern and a performance image based on the performance image data are displayed on the performance display device 7. Further, the image control board 200 controls the image (the variable image) to be displayed in the variable display area 7Bc on the display of the effect display device 7 based on receiving the variable effect start command from the effect control microcomputer 101. At the same time, the images (pending images) displayed in the main performance pending display area 7Ba and the sub performance pending display area 7Bb are shifted. After that, the production control microcomputer 101 ends this process.

[Game flow and performance mode]
Here, with reference to FIG. 29 and the like, the relationship between the game content (game state) and the performance content (performance mode) will be explained.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 101 identifies the game situation (for example, a change in the game state, etc.) based on a command from the game control microcomputer 61, and multiple The performance control microcomputer 101 performs control to set any of the various performance modes. The performance modes differ from each other in performance content and performance execution frequency, and the player can distinguish between the performance modes. By changing the production mode in accordance with changes in the game situation, the player can recognize changes in the game situation (changes in the degree of advantage for the player). In other words, by changing the performance mode, it is possible to give variety to the player's expectations or to assist the player in understanding the game content. As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, there are three main performance modes: "normal mode", "chance mode", and "final challenge mode" (note that there are (Description of the set production mode will be omitted). "Normal mode" is an effect mode set corresponding to a non-time-saving gaming state (excluding the remaining hold expiration period described later). "Chance mode" is a production mode set corresponding to the time-saving gaming state. The "final challenge mode" is an effect mode that is set corresponding to the remaining reservation expiration period in the non-time-saving gaming state. The remaining reservation expiration period is a period for extinguishing the operation reservation (remaining reservation) of the second special symbol that exists at the end of the time-saving game state in the non-time-saving game state. These production modes include, for example, the display mode of display information (background images, production patterns, text messages, etc.) on the screen of the production display device 7, the display mode of the audio (BGM) output from the speaker 8, and the board lamp. The light emitting modes of the light emitting means such as 2a are made to differ from each other.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) can generate a non-time-saving gaming state, a time-saving gaming state, and a jackpot gaming state as gaming states, and among these, the time-saving gaming state is different from the non-time-saving gaming state. Therefore, the game state is such that it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 12a of the right game area 3R. For this reason, the time-saving gaming state is a gaming state in which the player fires a game ball aiming at the right gaming area 3R, while the non-time-saving gaming state is a gaming state in which the player shoots a game ball aiming at the right gaming area 3R. A game state suitable for a game operation method is to shoot a game ball at the target. In addition, the jackpot game state is a game state in which firing a game ball aiming at the right game area 3R is suitable as a game operation method since the big win device 15 is present in the right game area 3R.
The ease with which the game ball enters the second starting port 12a in the non-time-saving gaming state and the time-saving gaming state is made different depending on the selection rate of the operating pattern of the normal operating member 12b in each gaming state. . This embodiment is characterized by the relationship between the operation pattern and the structure of the game area 3 (right game area 3R), so this point will be explained in detail later.

Further, the pachinko game machine 1 (game control microcomputer 61) can generate a type 1 jackpot state and a type 2 jackpot state as jackpot game states. The type 1 jackpot state is a jackpot game state that occurs in response to the jackpot determination result based on the special figure hit determination (jackpot determination). On the other hand, the type 2 jackpot state is a small hit state that occurs in response to the small hit determination result by the special figure hit determination (small hit determination), and a small hit state that occurs when the game ball passes a specific area in this small hit state. This is a jackpot game state consisting of a V-win state that occurs in . In this embodiment, a small hit determination result is derived only in the special symbol hit determination for the second special symbol. In other words, the type 2 jackpot state is basically a special pattern hit determination triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting port 12a (detection by the second starting port sensor 12c) in the time-saving gaming state in which the ball is hit right. arises based on.

By the way, when the RAM 64 is initialized when the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the non-time-saving game state. Furthermore, the player basically ends the game in a non-time-saving gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player, and the next player starts playing in the non-time-saving gaming state. Therefore, the gaming state when the player starts playing the game is basically a non-time-saving gaming state. In this non-time-saving gaming state, the "normal mode" is set by the performance control microcomputer 101. In the "normal mode", it is difficult for the ball to enter the second starting port 12a, and since the player plays the game by hitting the game ball into the left game area 3L (by hitting the ball left), the When the game ball enters the first starting port 10a, a special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern is executed. On the other hand, the ball basically does not enter the second starting port 12a provided in the right gaming area 3R. In the special symbol hit determination for the first special symbol, while there is a possibility that the determination result will be a jackpot, the determination result will not be a small hit. Therefore, during the "normal mode", the player plays the game in anticipation of the occurrence of a type 1 jackpot situation. The "normal mode" is a performance mode with performance contents tailored to such gaming situations (situations that are disadvantageous to the player).

The game control microcomputer 61 executes a special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern triggered by the game ball entering the first starting port 10a during the "normal mode", and determines that the determination is a jackpot. When this happens, a three-round jackpot is generated, and after the end of the three-round jackpot, the gaming state is shifted to a time-saving gaming state. In this time-saving game state, as described above, it is easier to enter the second starting port 12a than in the non-time-saving game state. The conditions for ending the time-saving gaming state are determined by two types: the number of executions of the special figure variation display (the number of special figure variations) and the number of times the small hit determination result is derived (in the special figure hit determination) (the number of small wins). However, the specific number of special symbol fluctuations and the number of small wins that serve as the termination conditions differ depending on the type of special symbol (big winning symbol or small winning symbol) that triggered the time-saving gaming state. Note that the ease with which the ball enters the second starting port 12a (described later) is the same in all time-saving game states.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b), the end timing of the time-saving gaming state will be explained.
For example, if the time-saving gaming state ends when the end condition of the number of special symbol fluctuations is satisfied during the time-saving gaming state, as shown in FIG. The time-saving gaming state ends at the timing when the display (final variation) ends (the timing at which the special symbol is confirmed and displayed), and the state shifts to a non-time-saving gaming state.
In addition, if the time-saving gaming state is ended by satisfying the end condition for the number of small wins during the time-saving gaming state, as shown in FIG. The time-saving game state ends at the timing when the special symbol fluctuation display (small winning fluctuation) corresponding to the result ends (timing at which the special symbol is displayed as a small winning symbol) and shifts to a non-time-saving gaming state. In this case, the small win state (operation of the special actuation member 15b) is started when a predetermined stop time (stop interval) has elapsed since the end of the small win fluctuation. That is, the small winning state in this case (the small winning state of the number of times serving as the end condition) occurs in the non-time saving gaming state.

Returning to FIG. 29, in the time-saving gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot gaming state (3 round jackpot based on the special drawing hit determination for the first special drawing) corresponding to the game in the "normal mode", the performance control microcomputer 101 "Chance mode" is set by In addition, although the specific number of special symbol fluctuations and the number of small wins of the ending condition are different for each type of jackpot symbol (special symbol), in this embodiment, "chance mode" is set in common in all cases. I will do so.
Specifically, in the time-saving game state, the end conditions in the case of 50% (when symbols 1-6 are determined) are that the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches "10 times" and the number of small wins reaches "10 times". Two conditions are defined for the process to be reached, and the process is set to end when either of the end conditions is met. In addition, since it is unlikely that a small hit state will occur in response to all 10 consecutive special symbol fluctuation displays, if symbols 1-6 are determined as the jackpot symbol, basically the number of special symbol fluctuations will be When the termination condition is satisfied, the time-saving gaming state is terminated.
On the other hand, in the case of the remaining 50% (when any of symbols 1-1 to 1-5 is determined), the end condition is that the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches "77". The number of small wins is set to reach the number corresponding to symbols 1-1 to 1-5 (any one from "1 time" to "5 times"). In other words, if any of symbols 1-1 to 1-5 is determined as the jackpot symbol, there is a possibility that the end condition for the number of small wins will be satisfied before the end condition for the special symbol fluctuation display is satisfied. The smaller the number of small wins in the end condition is, the easier it is for the end condition based on the number of small wins to be satisfied.

In this way, as a result of playing in the "normal mode", the ending conditions are very different depending on whether one of symbols 1-1 to 1-5 is determined as the jackpot symbol and when symbol 1-6 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Therefore, separate production modes may be set. In this case, for example, if any of symbols 1-1 to 1-5 is determined as the jackpot symbol, the first chance mode (advantageous mode) is set, and symbol 1-6 is determined as the jackpot symbol. In such a case, a second chance mode (disadvantageous mode) can be set to create an effect so that the expectations of the players are different from each other.

In the time-saving gaming state ("chance mode"), the special symbol hit determination for the second special symbol is executed when the game ball enters the second starting port 12a. In the special figure hit determination for the second special figure, the possibility of a small hit determination result is relatively high, and settings are made such that there is also a possibility of a jackpot determination result. In other words, the "chance mode" is a performance mode with performance contents tailored to situations advantageous to the player, and the player expects a small win (type 2 jackpot) or a type 1 jackpot to occur. We will be playing games.

When the special symbol hit determination of the second special symbol during the time-saving gaming state ("chance mode") becomes a jackpot determination result, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a jackpot symbol according to the determination result, and Determine the special pattern fluctuation pattern for jackpot. Then, after the corresponding special figure variation display ends, the game state is shifted from the time-saving game state to the type 1 jackpot state (10 rounds jackpot), and after the end, the game state is returned to the time-saving game state. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 101 starts the jackpot performance upon transition to the type 1 jackpot state, and then restarts the "chance mode" upon returning to the time-saving gaming state.
In addition, when the special symbol hit determination of the second special symbol during the time-saving gaming state ("chance mode") becomes a determination result of a small hit, the game control microcomputer 61 selects a small winning symbol in accordance with the determination result. At the same time, a special symbol fluctuation pattern for small winnings is determined. Then, a small winning state is generated after the corresponding special figure fluctuation display ends.

The game control microcomputer 61 maintains the time-saving game state if the small win determination result is the number of times that the small win determination result has not reached the number of times (specific number of times) that is the condition for ending the time-saving game state. Therefore, a small winning state will occur during the time saving game state. On the other hand, if the small hit determination result is the small hit determination result of the specific number of times in the time-saving gaming state, the state shifts to the non-time-saving gaming state at the end of the special figure fluctuation display corresponding to the small winning, and immediately after that, the small winning state changes to the small winning state. Make a hit state occur. Therefore, a small winning state will occur during the non-time-saving gaming state (FIG. 30(b)). In other words, if the number of small wins that is the end condition in the time-saving gaming state is, for example, 5, the small winning states corresponding to the first to fourth small winning determinations are performed during the time-saving gaming state, and the fifth (specific number of times) Only the small win state corresponding to the small win determination of (2) is performed during the non-time-saving gaming state. For example, if the number of small wins that is the end condition in the time-saving gaming state is 4, the small winning states corresponding to the first to third small winning determinations are performed during the time-saving gaming state, and the fourth (specific number of times) Only the small win state corresponding to the small win determination of (2) is performed during the non-time-saving gaming state. In addition, the same applies when the number of small wins serving as the end condition in the time-saving gaming state is 3 or 2. In addition, when the number of small wins that is the end condition in the time-saving gaming state is one, a small winning state corresponding to the first (specific number of times) small winning determination is performed during the non-time-saving gaming state.

Here, the special operating member 15b operates for the same time (1.8 seconds) regardless of whether the small winning state occurs during the time-saving gaming state or during the non-time-saving gaming state, The grand prize opening 15a is opened for the same amount of time. However, on the other hand, the operation time (operation pattern) of the above-mentioned normal operation member 12b is different between the time-saving game state and the non-time-saving game state. The normal operating member 12b of this embodiment, in the operating state (ball entry permissive posture), forms a rolling surface (slanted surface) for the game ball toward the second starting port 12a, and at the same time opens the gate 13. It is provided in the right game area 3R so as to function as a member that prevents the passed game balls from flowing down toward the big prize opening 15a. That is, in the time-saving gaming state, the normal operating member 12b operates to inhibit the game ball from flowing down toward the big prize opening 15a (opened in the small winning state before the specific number of times), In the non-time-saving gaming state, it operates to allow the game ball to flow down toward the big prize opening 15a (opened in the small winning state of the specific number of times). This point will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32.

First, to explain the configuration of the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3R), the first route R1 is the time from when the gaming ball passes through the gate 13, as shown in "Ball movement time (example)" in FIG. 31(a). It is configured to reach the height position of the normal operating member 12b after approximately 0.2 seconds (200ms) has elapsed. In addition, with respect to this first path R1, the normal operating member 12b (second starting winning device 12) rolls the game ball received on the first path R1 to the upper surface and rolls it to the downstream end (right end, second starting opening 12a). ) is arranged so that it takes approximately 1.5 seconds (1500ms) for the game ball to reach the normal operating member 12b when approximately 0.4 seconds (400ms) have elapsed since the game ball passed through the gate 13. It is configured to deviate to the outside (to the right) of one route R1. In addition, the second starting port 12a is provided so as to be spaced from the first path R1 by a dimension separation of about twice to three times the diameter of the game ball in the left-right direction. That is, the game ball received by the normal operating member 12b on the first path R1 moves with the upper surface of the normal operating member 12b toward the right by a dimension that is approximately two to three times the diameter of the gaming ball. Then, the second starting port 12a is reached.

On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 during the time-saving game state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball hits if it is possible to start the game ball fluctuation display at that time (this implementation In this case, there is no storage section for storing the operation hold of the normal symbol), and as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b, the long-time operation pattern FS3 is basically determined, and in some cases, the medium-time operation pattern FS2 is determined. do. Then, as shown in FIG. 31(a), the normal pattern fluctuation display for 0.1 seconds (100ms) is started. After this normal figure fluctuation display ends, the normal operating member 12b is activated for 5.8 seconds (5800ms) using the long-time operation pattern FS3, or for 0.6 seconds (600ms) using the medium-time operation pattern FS2. It is kept in working condition for a long time. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 31(b), when the normal operating member 12b is activated according to the long-time operating pattern FS3, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 (symbol PB1 in FIG. 31(b) A game ball (shown by . . In addition, when the normal operation member 12b is activated in accordance with the medium time operation pattern FS2, the game ball (the game ball indicated by the symbol PB2 in FIG. 31(b)) that has passed through the gate 13 is placed on the first path R1. In the middle of this, it is received by the normal operating member 12b which is in the operating state (ball entry permissive attitude), and while it is rolling on its upper surface, the normal operating member 12b returns to the non-operating state (ball entry blocking attitude), so it falls from the upper surface. Then, it flows down the second route R2. In other words, in the time-saving gaming state, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 does not flow down to the downstream side of the first path R1, and even if a small winning state occurs, the game ball is sent to the big winning device 15 (big winning opening 15a). Since the game ball does not reach the specified area, the game ball will not pass through the specific area (it will not develop into a type 2 jackpot state).
Therefore, when a small winning state occurs in response to the judgment result of a small winning for the number of times that has not reached the specific number of times during the time-saving gaming state, the production control microcomputer 101 produces a production with a production content that does not notify the small winning state. control the execution and maintain "chance mode" thereafter.

In addition, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 during the non-time-saving gaming state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball hits if it is possible to start the game ball fluctuation display at that time (this embodiment In this case, there is no storage section for storing the operation suspension of the normal symbol), and as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b, the short-time operation pattern FS1 is basically determined, and in some cases, the medium-time operation pattern FS2 is determined. . Then, as shown in FIG. 32(a), the normal pattern fluctuation display for 0.1 seconds (100ms) is started. After this normal pattern fluctuation display ends, the normal operating member 12b is activated for 0.036 seconds (36ms) using the short-time operation pattern, or activated for 0.6 seconds (600ms) using the medium-time operation pattern. state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32(b), when the normal operating member 12b is activated according to the short-time operating pattern FS1, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 (symbol PB3 in FIG. 32(b) The game ball (shown by . That is, in the non-time-saving gaming state, when the normal operating member 12b is activated in accordance with the short-time operating pattern FS1, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 flows down to the downstream side of the first path R1 and enters the big winning device. Reach 15. Therefore, when a small winning state occurs, the game ball enters the big winning hole 15a and passes through a specific area, and the small winning state develops into a type 2 jackpot state.
In addition, when the normal operation member 12b is activated according to the medium time operation pattern FS2, as shown in FIG. 32(b), a game ball (symbol PB2 in FIG. The game ball) is received by the normal operating member 12b in the operating state (ball entry permissible posture) in the middle of the first path R1, and while rolling on its upper surface, the normal operating member 12b is in the inactive state (ball entry permissible posture). In order to return to the blocking position), it falls from the upper surface and flows down the second path R2.
In this way, in response to the determination result of the small hit of the specific number of times during the time-saving gaming state, when a small winning state occurs during the non-time-saving gaming state, the game ball can pass through the specific area, and the small winning state can develop into a type 2 jackpot situation. Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes and controls the performance (small win performance) based on the performance content that notifies the small win state. Then, when the game ball passes through a specific area during the small winning performance (in the small winning state), a jackpot game state is generated (developed into a type 2 jackpot state), and the jackpot performance is started. After the jackpot game state (second type jackpot state) ends, the "chance mode" is started again along with a transition to the time-saving game state.

In the time-saving game state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game state (first-class jackpot state, second-class jackpot state) corresponding to the game in the "chance mode", the "chance mode" is set again by the performance control microcomputer 101. Although the specific number of special symbol fluctuations and the number of small hits of the ending condition differ depending on the type of jackpot symbol (special symbol) and small prize symbol (special symbol), in this embodiment, the same number is common in all cases. It is assumed that "chance mode" is set.
Specifically, in the time-saving gaming state, the number of special symbol fluctuations is set as an end condition when a jackpot symbol (symbol 2-1) is determined and as an end condition when 1% of the small winning symbol (symbol a) is determined. Two conditions are defined: the number of small wins reaches "500 times" and the number of small wins reaches "1 time", and the game is set to end when either of the end conditions is met. In addition, there is a very high possibility that one small hit will occur in 500 special symbol fluctuation displays, so if jackpot symbol 2-1 or small win symbol a is determined, basically a small win will occur. The time-saving game state is ended when the end condition for the number of times is satisfied.
In addition, in the case of the remaining 99% of the small winning symbols (when any of symbols b to f is determined), the ending condition is stipulated that the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches "77 times", It is determined that the number of small hits reaches a number corresponding to symbols b to f (any one from "1 time" to "5 times"). In other words, if any of symbols B to F is determined as the jackpot symbol, there is a good possibility that the end condition for the number of small wins will be satisfied before the end condition for the special symbol fluctuation display is satisfied. The smaller the number of small wins in the end condition, the easier it is for the end condition based on the number of small wins to be satisfied.

As mentioned above, by varying the number of small wins that are the conditions for ending the time-saving gaming state depending on the jackpot symbol or small win symbol, each time a small win state occurs in the "chance mode", the small win state will be reduced to 2. The player can expect the game to develop into a jackpot situation. In other words, the "chance mode" has a high level of expectation for a small winning state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a small hit determination result is derived in the special figure hit determination, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a special figure fluctuation pattern including reach (SP reach) as the special figure fluctuation pattern. If the small hit determination result is the number of small hit determination results that do not reach the specific number of times during the time-saving gaming state, the performance control microcomputer 101 uses the performance pattern as a performance pattern (SP reach performance pattern) for the variation performance of performance symbols. , a performance pattern that ends with a non-specific result (a combination of non-specific performance symbols) is determined, and if this small hit determination result is the small hit determination result of the specific number of times during the time-saving gaming state, the performance is A control microcomputer 101 determines a performance pattern that ends with a specific result (a combination of specific performance symbols) as a performance pattern (SP ready-to-win performance pattern) of a variation performance of performance symbols. In addition, if the special figure hit determination results in a loss, the game control microcomputer 61 always determines the normal variation pattern, and the performance control microcomputer 101 determines a performance pattern that does not include reach. . In other words, in a fluctuating effect (small win variation) in which a small win state is performed before the specific number of times, the SP reach effect ends with a non-specific result, and a small win state is performed for the specific number of times. In the case of fluctuation performance (small hit fluctuation), the SP reach performance ends with a specific result. Therefore, the game ball enters the big winning hole 15a and passes through the specific area during the small winning state when the SP ready-to-win performance ends with a specific result, and a type 2 jackpot state occurs. Therefore, during the "chance mode", the player plays the game while expecting that the reach (SP reach) will be varied. Then, when the ready-to-win performance (SP ready-to-win performance) ends with a specific result, it is recognized that a small winning state that develops into a type 2 jackpot state will occur, and the player's interest is increased. In addition, even if the reach performance (SP reach performance) ends with a non-specific result in "chance mode", the small win state will be executed and the number of small wins as the end condition of the time-saving game state will be approached. . Therefore, the expectation that a small winning state that develops into a type 2 jackpot state will occur is heightened every time a reach effect (SP reach effect) is performed.

If the termination condition is satisfied without triggering the jackpot game state during the time-saving game state and the state shifts to the non-time-saving game state, the performance control microcomputer 101, if the operation of the second special symbol is on hold, The production mode is shifted from the "chance mode" to the "final challenge mode", and if it does not exist, the production mode is shifted from the "chance mode" to the "normal mode". In other words, the "final challenge mode" is a period in which, after the transition from the time-saving gaming state to the non-time-saving gaming state, the special symbol variation display (variation production of production symbols) based on the operation suspension of the remaining second special symbol is performed ( This is a production mode that is set corresponding to the remaining hold expiration period). The production control microcomputer 101 ends the "final challenge mode" and switches to the "normal mode" when the special symbol variation display (variation production of production symbols) based on the pending operation of the second special symbol is completed and the pending operation is no longer held. to be transferred to During the "Final Challenge Mode", a special symbol variation display (fluctuation performance) is performed based on the special symbol hit determination for the second special symbol, so as a result, a small hit state may occur, and in some cases, 1 A seed jackpot situation (10R jackpot) may occur. Here, the "final challenge mode" is a non-time-saving gaming state, and the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b, which can be determined by the normal pattern hit determination triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 13, is basically for a short time. This is the operation pattern FS1. Therefore, when a small winning state occurs in the "final challenge mode", the game ball can pass through a specific area during the small winning state, and it can develop into a type 2 jackpot state. In other words, although the "final challenge mode" that is set in response to the remaining reservation expiration period is a short period during the non-time-saving gaming state, it is a performance mode with performance content that is tailored to the situation that is advantageous to the player. , the player plays the game in anticipation of a small winning state (type 2 jackpot state) or a type 1 jackpot state.

[Effects of the first embodiment]
According to the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.
(1-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment has a gate 13 (operating port), a second starting port 12a (variable starting port), and a second starting port in the gaming area 3 where game balls can flow down. A normal operating member 12b that can be displaced to a ball entry prevention posture (first posture) that prevents a game ball from entering the game ball 12a and a ball entry allowing posture (second posture) that allows the game ball to enter the gate 13 is provided. A game control microcomputer 61 ( control means). Further, in the right game area 3R of the game area 3, a first route R1 (predetermined route) is provided through which the game balls that have passed through the gate 13 flow down toward the installation area (predetermined area) of the big winning device 15. . Here, the game control microcomputer 61 can switch the posture of the normal operation member 12b based on each of a plurality of types of operation patterns, and as the operation pattern, the second start is performed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 13. A long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) that can be guided to the opening 12a, and a game ball that has passed through the gate 13 and is discharged to the side that deviates from the first path R1 and where the second starting opening 12a is not located. A possible medium-time operation pattern FS2 (second operation pattern) is set.
Therefore, the first route R1 along which the game balls that have passed through the gate 13 flow can be blocked by the operation of the normal operating member 12b. Here, as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b that blocks the first path R1, in addition to the operation pattern (long-time operation pattern FS3) that can guide the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 to the second starting port 12a, By providing an operation pattern (medium time operation pattern FS2) that does not guide the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 to the second starting port 12a, the normal operation member 12b can be used to allow or prevent the game ball from passing through the gate 13. In addition to directing the ball to the second starting port 12a, it is also possible to guide the ball to a different side. That is, the traveling direction of the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 can be switched to three directions (multi-directional) with a simple configuration.
(1-2) Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, a large winning opening 15a (special winning opening) into which game balls can enter is provided on the downstream side of the first route R1 (predetermined route). The second starting port 12a is spaced apart from the first path R1 in the cross direction. In the ball entry prevention attitude (first attitude), the normal operating member 12b retreats from the first path R1 and allows the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 to head toward the big winning opening 15a, while allowing the ball entry. In the posture (second posture), a slope that intercepts the first path R1 is formed to receive the game ball in the middle of the first path R1, and while preventing this game ball from heading toward the big prize opening 15a, the slope is formed to block the first path R1. 12a (variable starting port). In addition, the long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) is longer than the standard time (1500ms) required for the game ball to roll on the inclined surface (upper surface) from the first path R1 to the second starting port 12a. This is an operation pattern in which the normal operation member 12b is in a ball entry permissive posture for a period of time (5800ms), and a medium time operation pattern FS2 (second operation pattern) is shorter than the reference time (1500ms) and when the game ball is on an inclined surface. By keeping the normal operating member 12b in the ball entry-permitting posture for a period of time (600ms) longer than the shortest travel time (300ms) required to deviate from the first path R1, the game ball can be moved to the first path R1 and the second starting port. 12a to the second path R2 (another path) and leads to the side where the big prize opening 15a is not located.
Therefore, the flow of game balls from the gate 13 to the big prize opening 15a can be blocked by the operation of the normal operation member 12b. Further, the second starting port 12a is spaced apart from the first path R1, and the normal operating member 12b forms an inclined surface that guides the game ball from the first path R1 to the second starting port 12a in the ball entry permitting posture. By simply providing a plurality of types of operation patterns with different operation times as operation patterns for blocking the flow of game balls to the big prize opening 15a, there are cases in which game balls are allowed to enter the second starting port 12a and cases in which they are not allowed to enter the second starting port 12a. cases can occur. That is, while providing a state in which the normal operation member 12b prevents the game ball from heading toward the big prize opening 15a, it is possible to adjust the frequency at which the game ball enters the second starting port 12a in the state in which it is prevented.
(1-3) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment, the distance between the first path R1 (predetermined path) and the second starting port 12a (variable starting port) is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Large dimensions are ensured.
As a result, when operating the normal operating member 12b according to the medium time operating pattern FS2 (second operating pattern), the game ball received on the inclined surface of the normal operating member 12b is moved along the first path on the inclined surface. It is possible to cause the ball to fall while rolling from R1 toward the second starting port 12a, and to flow down the second path R2 so as not to allow the ball to enter the second starting port 12a and the special winning port 15a (special winning port).
(1-4) The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment also has a ball entry prevention posture (first posture) that prevents a game ball from entering the big winning hole 15a (special winning hole) and an entry posture that allows the game ball to enter the big winning hole 15a (special winning hole). It includes a special operating member 15b that can be displaced to a ball-permitting attitude (second attitude), and a specific area through which the game ball that enters the big prize opening 15a can pass. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 (control means) activates the big prize opening solenoid 15d as a driving means corresponding to the special operating member 15b, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 12a (variable starting opening). The special operating member 15b can be controlled to be displaced from the ball entry blocking attitude to the ball entry allowing attitude. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 operates the special operating member 15b for a jackpot game state in which the game ball is allowed to enter the big prize opening 15a, and for a shorter time than the jackpot gaming state. It is possible to generate a small winning state in which the game ball is allowed to enter the big prize opening 15a, and when the game ball passes through a specific area during the small winning state, the small winning state can be changed to a type 2 jackpot. develop into a state (jackpot gaming state).
That is, by operating the normal operating member 12b according to the long-time operating pattern FS3 (first operating pattern) during the small hit state, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 (operating opening) is prevented from passing through the specific area. It becomes possible to guide the game ball to the second starting port 12a while preventing the game ball from developing into a type 2 jackpot state. In addition, by operating the normal operating member 12b according to the medium-time operating pattern FS2 (second operating pattern) during the small hit state, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is prevented from passing through a specific area (that is, two types of This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from entering the second starting port 12a while also preventing the game ball from developing into a jackpot state.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36.
Note that the same reference numerals may be used for configurations that are common to or correspond to the configurations according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, a right-side starting winning device 33 having a right-side starting opening 33a as a ball entry opening whose opening size does not change is installed in the second path R2 of the right gaming area 3R. It is provided. The right starting port 33a, like the first starting port 10a, is a ball entering port (starting port) in which the entry of a game ball triggers the variable display of the first special symbol. That is, in this embodiment, the first starting port 10a is provided in the left gaming area 3L, and the second starting port 12a and the right starting port 33a are provided in the right gaming area 3R. Then, when the game ball enters the first starting port 10a or the right starting port 33a, a special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern is executed, and when the game ball enters the second starting port 12a, it is triggered. The special figure hit determination for the second special figure is executed as follows.

Further, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment can generate two types of time-saving game states under the control of the game control microcomputer 61. These two types of time-saving game states are different in the determination probability of the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b (opening time extension function of the second starting port 12a). Specifically, three types of operation patterns (short-time operation pattern FS1, medium-time operation pattern FS2, and long-time operation pattern FS3) similar to the first embodiment described above are provided as operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b. These decision probabilities are different for a non-time-saving gaming state, a disadvantageous time-saving gaming state (hereinafter referred to as "time-saving 1"), and an advantageous time-saving gaming state (hereinafter referred to as "time-saving 2"). In addition, in both Time Saving 1 and Time Saving 2, while the above-mentioned opening time extension function of the second starting port 12a and the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function operate, the special symbol and normal symbol fluctuation shortening function, the second Although this is a game state in which the function to increase the number of openings of the starting port 12a does not operate, at least one of the time-saving game states may be made into a game state in which the variation shortening function or the function to increase the number of openings operates.

(Normal pattern per type determination table T11)
FIG. 34 is a normal figure per type determination table T11 referred to by the game control microcomputer 61 in this embodiment (second embodiment). The ordinary figure per type determination table T11 is referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 determines the operation pattern of the ordinary operation member 12b. In this normal pattern winning type determination table T11, a normal pattern random number value is distributed for each winning pattern of the normal pattern, and each winning pattern is associated with an operation pattern of the normal operating member 12b. The determination probabilities of the three types of operation patterns of the normal operation member 12b are different in the non-time-saving gaming state, the time-saving 1, and the time-saving 2.

If the normal pattern hit determination performed in the non-time-saving gaming state results in a winning result, if the normal pattern per type random number is within the range of 0 to 199, the symbol hz1 will be determined as the winning symbol of the normal symbol. The short-time operation pattern FS1 is selected as the operation pattern. On the other hand, if the type random number per ordinary symbol is within the range of 200 to 232, the symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol of the ordinary symbol, and the short-time operation pattern FS1 is selected as the operation pattern. That is, in the non-time-saving gaming state, about 86% of the winning judgment results in the normal pattern winning judgment triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 will be the short-time operation pattern FS1, and the remaining about 14% will be the short-time operation pattern FS1. becomes the medium-time operation pattern FS2. When the normal operating member 12b is in the operating state (ball entry permissive posture) based on the short-time operating pattern FS1, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 flows down the first path R1 to the downstream side, and the second start The ball does not enter either the opening 12a or the right starting opening 33a. On the other hand, when the normal operating member 12b is in the operating state (ball entering permissive posture) based on the medium time operating pattern FS2, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is temporarily received by the normal operating member 12b on the first path R1. The ball is ejected to the second path R2, and may enter the right starting port 33a provided in the second path R2 (the ball does not enter the second starting port 12a).

On the other hand, if the normal pattern hit determination performed in Time Saving 1 or Time Saving 2 results in a winning judgment, medium time operation pattern FS2 and long time movement pattern FS3 are selected based on the normal pattern hit type random value. Either one is decided. When the normal operating member 12b is in the operating state (ball entry permissive posture) based on the medium time operating pattern FS2, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is once received by the normal operating member 12b on the first path R1 and then transferred to the second The ball will be released to route R2, and may enter the right starting port 33a provided in the second route R2 (the ball will not enter the second starting port 12a). On the other hand, when the normal operating member 12b is in the operating state (ball entering permissive posture) based on the long-time operating pattern FS3, the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is received by the normal operating member 12b on the first path R1. The ball rolls on the upper surface of the ball and enters the second starting port 12a (the ball does not enter the right starting port 33a).
Here, if the normal symbol hit determination performed in time saving 1 (disadvantageous time saving gaming state) results in a winning determination, if the ordinary symbol per type random value is within the range of 0 to 199, the normal symbol The symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol, and the medium time operation pattern FS2 is selected as the operation pattern. On the other hand, if the type random number per ordinary symbol is within the range of 200 to 232, the symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol of the ordinary symbol, and the long-time operation pattern FS3 is selected as the operation pattern. That is, in short time 1, about 86% of the cases where a winning judgment is made in the normal pattern winning judgment triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 will be the medium time operation pattern FS2, and the remaining about 14% will be the long time operation pattern. The time operation pattern becomes FS3. Therefore, the special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern is easier to perform than the special pattern hit determination for the second special pattern, and the ending condition for time saving 1 is more likely to be determined by the number of special pattern changes than the ending condition based on the number of small wins. The termination condition is likely to be satisfied.
In addition, if the normal symbol hit determination performed in time saving 2 (advantageous time saving gaming state) results in a winning determination, if the ordinary symbol per type random value is within the range of 0 to 32, the normal symbol The symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol, and the medium time operation pattern FS2 is selected as the operation pattern. On the other hand, if the type random number per ordinary symbol is within the range of 33 to 232, the symbol hz2 is determined as the winning symbol of the ordinary symbol, and the long-time operation pattern FS3 is selected as the operation pattern. That is, in short time 1, about 14% of the cases where a winning judgment is made in the normal pattern winning judgment triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 are medium time operation patterns FS2, and the remaining about 86% are long operation patterns. The time operation pattern becomes FS3. Therefore, the special pattern hit determination for the second special pattern is easier to be performed than the special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern, and the ending condition for Time Saving 2 is the number of small hits rather than the ending condition based on the number of special pattern fluctuations. The termination condition is likely to be satisfied. Therefore, there is a possibility that a small hit state corresponding to the small hit judgment result of the specific number of times, which is the end condition for Time Saving 2, will occur in the non-time saving gaming state, and the game ball will pass through the specific area and a type 2 jackpot state will occur. is high.

(Jackpot type determination table T12, T13)
The jackpot type determination tables T12 and T13 shown in FIGS. 35(a) and 35(b) are referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 executes jackpot type determination when a jackpot is determined in the special figure hit determination. This is a table where Incidentally, the relationship between each jackpot symbol 1-1 to 1-6, 2-1 and the end condition of the time-saving game state is the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6) described above, and therefore the explanation will be omitted. However, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment (FIG. 6) in that the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state is set to either time saving 1 or time saving 2. Specifically, the jackpot types corresponding to jackpot symbols 1-2, 1-4, and 1-6 are defined as jackpot types that shift to time saving 1 (disadvantageous time saving gaming state) after the end of the 3 round jackpot. Therefore, the jackpot types corresponding to jackpot symbols 1-1, 1-3, and 1-5 are defined as the jackpot types that shift to time saving 2 (advantageous time saving gaming state) after the end of the 3 round jackpot.

(Small hit type determination table T14)
The small hit type determination table T14 shown in FIG. 36 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 refers to when executing the small hit type determination when a small hit is determined in the special figure hit determination. Incidentally, the relationship between each of the small winning symbols a, b, c, d, e, f and the end conditions of the time-saving gaming state is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 7) described above, so the explanation will be omitted. However, this differs from the first embodiment (FIG. 7) in that the gaming state after the second type jackpot state that develops from the small win state is set to either time saving 1 or time saving 2. Specifically, the small winning type corresponding to the small winning symbols c and e is defined as the small winning type that shifts to time saving 1 (disadvantageous time saving gaming state) after the end of the 10 round jackpot, and the small winning symbol The jackpot types corresponding to a, b, d, and f are defined as jackpot types that shift to time saving 2 (advantageous time saving gaming state) after the end of the 10 round jackpot.

[Effects of second embodiment]
According to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.
(2-1) The pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment has a gate 13 (operating port), a second starting port 12a (variable starting port), and a right starting port 33a ( another starting port), and a normal operating member that can be displaced into a ball entry preventing posture (first posture) that prevents a game ball from entering the second starting port 12a and a ball entry allowing posture (second posture) that allows the game ball to enter the second starting port 12a. 12b, and the game control microcomputer 61 controls the second starting port solenoid 12d serving as a drive means corresponding to the normal operating member 12b, triggered by the passing of the game ball to the gate 13, and controls the normal operating member 12b. is displaced from the ball entry blocking attitude to the ball entry allowing attitude. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 notifies the player when the special symbol hit determination (internal determination) triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 12a results in a jackpot (win). To generate an advantageous jackpot game state, and to generate a small win game state advantageous to a player when the judgment result is a small win (win). Moreover, the game control microcomputer 61 switches the posture of the normal operation member 12b based on each of a plurality of types (three types) of operation patterns. As the operation pattern of this normal operation member 12b, there is a long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) that can receive the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 and guide it to the second starting port 12a, and a long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) that can receive the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 A medium-time operation pattern FS2 (second operation pattern) is set in which the game ball can be received and released on the side where the second starting port 12a is not located, and the normal operation member 12b is operated based on the medium-time operation pattern FS2. A right side starting port 33a is provided at a position where a game ball released according to the timing can enter.
In this way, by providing the medium-time operation pattern FS2 as the operation pattern of the normal operation member 12b, in which the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is released to the right side starting port 33a without being guided to the second starting port 12a. With a simple configuration, the game ball can be guided into the second starting port 12a or guided to the side where the right starting port 33a is located.
In addition, in this embodiment, the special pattern hit determination for the first special pattern triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 10a or the right side starting port 33a, and the determination of the special pattern hit when the game ball enters the second starting port 12a are performed. There is a difference in advantageousness between the special pattern hit judgment for the second special pattern triggered by the ball entering, and the ease of entering the ball into the right starting port 33a and the ease of entering the ball into the second starting port 12a. The two types of time-saving game states (time-saving 1 and time-saving 2) are made different. In other words, it is possible to provide new gameplay by utilizing the medium-time operation pattern FS2 of the normal operation member 12b, thereby increasing the interest of the game.
(2-2) In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment has a first path R1 in which the game balls that have passed through the gate 13 (operating port) flow down toward the installation area (predetermined area) of the big winning device 15. (predetermined path), and a second starting port 12a (variable starting port) is provided so as to be spaced apart from the first path R1 in the cross direction, and the normal operating member 12b is in a ball entry blocking posture (first posture). In this case, the game ball is evacuated from the first path R1, while in the ball entering posture (second posture), an inclined surface is formed that blocks the first path R1, and the game ball is received in the middle of this first path R1. 2 is configured to be guided toward the starting port 12a. In the long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) of the normal operation member 12b, the game ball rolls on the upper surface (slanted surface) of the normal operation member 12b from the first path R1 to the second starting port 12a. This is an operation pattern in which the normal operation member 12b is in a ball entry permissive posture for a longer time (5800ms) than the reference time (1500ms) required for By setting the normal operating member 12b in the ball entry-permitting posture for a shorter period of time (600 ms) and longer than the shortest travel time (300 ms) required for the game ball to deviate from the first path R1 on the inclined surface, the game ball This is an operation pattern in which the fuel is caused to flow down from between the first path R1 and the second starting port 12a to the second path R2 (another path) and guided to the side where the right starting port 33a (another starting port) is located.
In this way, the second starting port 12a is separated from the first path R1, and the normal operating member 12b forms an inclined surface that guides the game ball from the first path R1 to the second starting port 12a in the ball entry-permitting posture. By doing so, by simply providing multiple types of operation patterns with different activation times, it is possible to cause the game ball to enter the second starting port 12a and to release it toward the right starting port 33a. . That is, it is possible to simultaneously adjust the frequency at which the game ball enters the second starting port 12a and the frequency at which the game ball enters the right starting port 33a.
(2-3) In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment, the distance between the first path R1 (predetermined path) and the second starting port 12a (variable starting port) is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Large dimensions are ensured.
As a result, when operating the normal operating member 12b according to the medium time operating pattern FS2 (second operating pattern), the game ball received on the inclined surface of the normal operating member 12b is moved along the first path on the inclined surface. The game ball can be dropped while rolling from R1 toward the second starting port 12a, and can be caused to flow down a second path R2 (another path) where another starting port (right side starting port 33a) is located.
(2-4) In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment has a big winning hole 15a (special winning hole) into which game balls can enter, and a game ball is prevented from entering the big winning hole 15a. The game control microcomputer 61 is equipped with a special actuation member 15b that can be moved to a ball entry blocking posture (first posture) and a ball entry allowing posture (second posture). When a game ball enters the starting hole), the special operating member 15b is moved from the ball entry blocking attitude to the ball entry allowing attitude by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 15d as a driving means corresponding to the special operating member 15b. . Here, the first path R1 (predetermined path) is a path where the game ball passes through the gate 13 (operating port) and heads toward the big winning hole 15a, and the normal operating member 12b passes through the gate 13 in a ball entry blocking attitude. The game ball is configured to allow the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 in the entrance allowing posture to prevent the game ball from heading toward the big prize opening 15a. The long-time operation pattern FS3 (first operation pattern) and medium-time operation pattern FS2 (second operation pattern) of the normal operation member 12b are such that the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 heads toward the grand prize opening 15a. This is an operating pattern that prevents
That is, while preventing the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 from heading toward the big prize opening 15a, the game ball can be allowed to enter the second starting opening 12a or the right starting opening 33a (another starting opening).
(2-5) In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 of the second embodiment has a special pattern hit determination ( Internal judgment) and special pattern hit judgment (internal judgment) for the second special pattern triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 12a (variable starting port), and the judgment result is a small hit. The presence or absence of the possibility of the determination result (specific determination result) or the magnitude of the possibility differs.
In this way, the second starting port 12a and the right starting port 33a are different in the presence or absence of the possibility of a small hit determination result in the special pattern hit determination triggered by a ball entering the ball, or the magnitude of the possibility. A simple configuration that utilizes the operating pattern of the normal operating member 12b can change the frequency of ball entry into each starting hole, making it possible to add variety to the game.

<Other embodiments>
- In the first and second embodiments described above, the game ball passing through the gate flows down a predetermined path (a predetermined area) toward the installation area of the grand prize device (special winning opening = area where the grand winning opening is located). A first path) is provided, and when the normal operating member is in the first posture (ball entrance prevention posture), the prescribed path is not blocked and the game ball flows down toward the prescribed area and enters the special winning hole, When in the second position (ball entering permissive position), the predetermined path is blocked and the game ball is prevented from heading toward the special winning hole without heading toward the predetermined area. On the other hand, the special prize opening may be provided at a position different from the predetermined route, and the predetermined route may be configured as a route through which the game ball simply flows down toward the out port (predetermined area).
- In the first and second embodiments described above, only one big winning device is provided, and a specific area is provided inside it, so that the game ball that enters the special winning hole (big winning hole) in a small winning state is always After passing through a specific area, a jackpot game state (type 2 jackpot state) is developed. In addition, the game ball is configured to be prevented from entering the special winning opening by the operation of the normal operating member that opens and closes the variable starting opening (second starting opening). That is, in the first and second embodiments, the small win state is a disadvantageous small win state in which the game ball does not pass through a specific area or is difficult to pass through because the game ball is prevented from entering the special winning hole; The game ball is configured to be allowed to enter the special winning hole to cause an advantageous small winning state in which the game ball passes or easily passes through a specific area. On the other hand, it may be configured such that the operation of the normal operation member does not affect the ease with which the game ball enters the special winning hole.
・Also, a distribution member is provided inside the big winning device so that the game balls that enter the special winning hole can be distributed to a specific area and a non-specific area, and the distribution member is arranged according to the type of small winning state. By differentiating the operating modes, it is configured to produce an unfavorable small hit state in which the game ball does not pass or is difficult to pass through a specific area, and an advantageous small hit state in which the game ball passes through or easily passes through the specific area. It's okay.
・ In addition, by providing multiple (two) big winning devices (special winning openings) and providing a specific area inside one of them, and changing the special winning openings that open depending on the type of small winning state, the game It may be configured to produce an unfavorable small winning state in which the ball does not pass through or is difficult to pass through a specific area, and an advantageous small winning state in which the game ball passes through or easily passes through the specific area.
・In the first and second embodiments described above, the setting was such that a small hit determination result is not derived in the special figure hit determination of the first special figure, but even in the special figure hit determination of the first special figure, a small hit determination result is not derived. A hit determination result may be set. In this case, either make the probability of a small hit determination result in the first special pattern hit determination lower than the probability of a small hit determination result in the second special pattern hit determination, or By making the probability that the game ball passes through the specific area during the small winning state based on the small winning state based on the special pattern winning judgment of the first special pattern lower than during the small winning state based on the special drawing winning judgment of the first special drawing. The game based on the special figure hit determination of the second special figure can have more advantageous gameplay than the game. Conversely, either make the probability of a small hit determination result in the second special pattern hit determination lower than the probability of a small hit determination result in the first special pattern hit determination, or The probability that the game ball passes through a specific area during the small winning state based on the first special pattern hit determination may be made lower than during the small winning state based on the special pattern winning judgment of the first special pattern. A game based on the special figure hit determination of the first special figure can have more advantageous gameplay than a game based on the special figure hit determination.
- In the first and second embodiments described above, only when the game ball passes through the operating port (gate) while the normal figure fluctuation display is not being performed, the passing of the game ball to the operating port is the trigger. Although the control means (game control microcomputer) is configured to execute the normal symbol hit determination (without providing a storage section for storing the operation reservation of the ordinary symbol), it is configured so that the storage section for storing the operation reservation of the ordinary symbol is not provided. It may also be provided.
- In the first embodiment described above, a ball entry opening is not provided on a route (second route) other than the predetermined route in the right gaming area, but it may be provided. For example, as in the second embodiment described above, a starting port (right-side starting port) other than the variable starting port may be provided on the different path.
- In the second embodiment described above, a starting port (right starting port) different from the variable starting port was provided on a route (second route) different from the predetermined route in the right gaming area, but a different type of input A ball opening (for example, a general winning opening, a special winning opening, etc.) may be provided. Further, the ball entry port may not be provided in the other path (second path).

1... Pachinko game machine, 3... Game area, 12a... Second starting port (variable starting port), 12b... Normal operating member, 12d... Second starting port solenoid (driving means), 13... Gate (operating port), 15a ...Big winning opening (special winning opening), 15b...Special operating member, 15d...Big winning opening solenoid (driving means), 61...Microcomputer for game control (controlling means), FS2...Medium time operating pattern (second operating pattern) ), FS3...Long time operation pattern (first operation pattern), R1...First route (predetermined route), R2...Second route (another route).

Claims (4)

An operating port, a variable starting port, and a normal operating member that can be displaced into a first posture that prevents the game ball from entering the variable starting port and a second posture that allows the ball to enter the variable starting port are provided in a gaming area where the game ball can flow down. and a control means for displacing the normal operating member from a first attitude to a second attitude by controlling a driving means corresponding to the normal operating member, triggered by passage of a game ball to the operating opening. There it is,
A predetermined path is provided in the game area, through which the game ball that has passed through the operating port flows down toward a predetermined area,
The control means is configured to be able to switch the attitude of the normally operating member based on each of a plurality of types of operating patterns,
The operation pattern of the normal operation member includes a first operation pattern in which the game ball that has passed through the operation port can be guided to the variable starting port, and a first operation pattern that can receive the game ball that has passed through the operation port and guide it to the predetermined path. A gaming machine characterized in that a second actuation pattern that can be discharged is set on a side away from the variable starting port and on a side where the variable starting port is not located. A special prize opening into which game balls can enter is provided on the downstream side of the predetermined path, and the variable starting port is provided so as to be spaced apart from the predetermined path in a cross direction,
In the first attitude, the normal operating member retreats from the predetermined path and allows the game ball that has passed through the operating opening to head toward the special winning opening, while in the second attitude, it blocks the predetermined path. The game ball is configured to form an inclined surface to receive the game ball in the middle of the predetermined path, and guide the game ball toward the variable starting hole while preventing the game ball from heading toward the special winning hole.
The first operation pattern is an operation pattern in which the normal operation member is in the second posture for a time longer than a reference time required for a game ball to roll on the slope from the predetermined path to the variable starting port. and
The second operation pattern is to keep the normal operation member in the second posture for a time shorter than the reference time and longer than the shortest travel time required for the game ball to deviate from the predetermined path on the slope. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating pattern is such that the game ball is caused to flow down from between the predetermined route and the variable starting opening to another route and guided to a side where the special winning opening is not located. 3. The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the predetermined path and the variable starting port is larger than the diameter of the game ball. a special operating member that can be displaced into a first posture that prevents the game ball from entering the special winning hole and a second posture that allows it;
A specific area through which the game ball that entered the special winning hole can pass,
The control means includes:
Taking the entry of a game ball into the variable starting port as an opportunity, the driving means corresponding to the special operating member can be controlled to displace the special operating member from a first attitude to a second attitude, and
A jackpot game state in which the special operating member is actuated to allow a game ball to enter the special winning opening, and a game in which the special operating member is operated for a shorter time than the jackpot gaming state. It is possible to cause a small hit state that allows the ball to enter the ball,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the small winning state is developed into the jackpot gaming state when a game ball passes through the specific area during the small winning state.

Images